180-Gram Black Virgin Vinyl

Originally released in 1961, Sunday At The Village Vanguard is routinely ranked as one of the best live jazz recordings of all time. Sunday At The Village Vanguard was drawn from material recorded on June 25, 1961, at the Village Vanguard in New York City. The trio (jazz pianist and composer Bill Evans, bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian) played five sets — two in the afternoon and three in the evening — each one comprising four or five numbers and lasting about half an hour.

In numerous interviews Evans has paid tribute to what he always considered to be his finest trio: “I am thankful that we recorded that day, because it was the last time I saw Scott and the last time we would play together. When you have evolved a concept of playing which depends on the specific personalities of outstanding players, how do you start again when they are gone?”

This memorable day’s performances resulted in additional material released in a second album in 1962 (Waltz For Debby) as well as a further selection of takes appearing posthumously in 1984 as another LP: Bill Evans: More From the Vanguard.

Released: 9/5/20