Every piece starts as a picture.

A native of Southern California now based in North Carolina, Bill DeVóe — often listed as Bill DeVoe where streaming platforms strip the accent — is a multi-instrumentalist with a long history of making music across styles, genres, and instruments: piano, strings, and, as often as not, a pair of sticks behind a kit. He plays in local bands, writes music for an upcoming TV anthology series, and is the author of a well-received compendium of Twilight Zone trivia.

On The Van Gogh Sessions

It was many years ago — my first visit to the famed Museum of Modern Art in New York; I had one objective, find Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, and see what all the fuss was about. I grabbed a directory, darted upstairs, politely nudged my way through the crowd and found it. It was smaller than I imagined yet larger than life. I stood only a few inches away.

The painting: over 100 years old and still vibrant — mysterious yet soothing. I was drawn into it, surrounded by its depth and wonder. I studied each individual stroke, which seemed to have within it any number of other carefully calculated strokes. I’ve been in awe ever since, visiting museums around the world to see more of this master’s works, and my admiration grows with each painting I discover or rediscover.

These musical compositions are intended to celebrate just a few of Van Gogh’s paintings — some, perhaps lesser known. It was difficult to decide which works to interpret; there are so many wondrous paintings, sketches, and watercolors to choose from. I hope you enjoy.

Bill DeVóe