Based in Los Angeles, pianist/composer Bevan Manson leads a progressive, adventurous jazz trio with roots in the Evans/Jarrett/Zeitlin trio tradition. Along with bassist Jeff D'Angelo and drummer David Hocker, the trio transforms jazz standards into free-flowing spontaneous compositions.

Manson has performed with such varied jazz performers and composers as George Garzone, Darol Anger, Cecil MacBee, Gunther Schuller, Bob Sheppard, Ira Sullivan, Matt Wilson, Harvie S., John Blake, Suzanne Pittson, Matt Glaser, the Fringe, Jerry Bergonzi, and Orange Then Blue.

Recently the San Mateo Times said..."he may be some kind of genius at the piano. His artistry sneaks up in a subtle way...slowly he builds up a Bach-like architecture of unique improvisation that descends like a web on the listener".

The Boston Globe has called him a "superb jazz pianist...imaginative yet accesible."

He has been recorded on the Iris, Gunmar, Brownstone, Flying Fish, Corridor, and Elixer record labels. His most recent trio CD, "Mystic Mainstream", appeared on the Dutch label A-Records.
Jazz Improv Magazine described it as "radical recasts of standards that demand your attention."

He has played at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreux, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Hudson River Festival, Tirano (Italy), Pacifica Jazz Festival, and others.

Bevan has also been recently working in the field of classical music composition, having just finished a commission for Sierra Chamber Music. (Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano). His works in this area have been remarked on for their engaging tonal melodies and rhythmic vitality. Other works of his include the Concerto for Viola and Orchestra, "Faster!" for Flute and String Orchestra, Bungalow Boogie for solo viola, The Edge of the World, for soprano sax and jazz group, String Trio #1, and the woodwind quintet "Switchback".

Currently his trio works in L.A. and around the country. On May 26th, 2006 the group will perform at the Israeli Opera House in Tel Aviv.

Bevan has also played and appeared on-camera as a jazz pianist with the CBS TV shows "JAG", and "Num3ers".

He has formerly been a faculty member at New England Conservatory (1987-97), and the Thelonious Monk Institute. He directed the jazz program at UC Berkeley (1998-2003).

In an interview for “The Inner Voice,” the newsletter of the Southern California Viola Society, Polish violist Piotr Jandula was asked about solo pieces for viola that he favored. He mentioned only one: “I’m looking forward to learning Bevan Manson’s Concerto for Viola. I think it’s a fantastic piece. And this piece has had no previous recordings, no stigma attached to it. This piece holds a beautiful promise to all violists.”