"For decades, Mr. Rowles was considered by musicians to be one of the finest accompanists in jazz, serving in that capacity for virtually every major jazz singer, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Helen Humes, Carmen McRae, Tony Bennett and Peggy Lee. Mr. Rowles's particular genius was his ability to make harmonies flow logically, even when he added his own distinct touches to tunes. One of the most lyrical of jazz pianists, he produced a gorgeous sound, rich and contemplative.

But Mr. Rowles's abilities were hardly limited to the role of accompanist. A good portion of his career was spent as an improvising musician, recording with Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Red Mitchell and his own daughter Stacy, a trumpeter. He also recorded as a solo pianist. Understatement was his strength, and his best solos often sound preplanned, spare, with each note perfectly chosen for its color. Mr. Rowles had absorbed the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. He also sang occasionally." - from NY Times obit. 1996 by Peter Watrous