Bill Evans

On June 25, 1961, the Bill Evans Trio recorded one of their performances at the celebrated Village Vanguard jazz club in New York. At that time, the trio consisted of Evans, Scott LaFaro on bass, and Paul Motian on drums.

This formation is considered the best of the pianist’s trios, and one of the best trios in jazz history. A highly praised virtuoso on his instrument, LaFaro would die in a car accident soon after on July 6, 1961, at the tender age of 25. Most of the pieces recorded at the Vanguard were issued on two highly successful albums: "Sunday at the Village Vanguard", and the one presented here,"Waltz for Debby", which was given a four-star rating in Down Beat, with Leonard Feather stating that, “The tender, gentle side of Evans, representing what is probably the most essential aspect of his fresh and endearing style, is predominantly represented here. Even the up tempos somehow achieve the ambiance of a ballad. This does not mean that Evans fails to swing but rather that his extraordinary grace informs everything he does. LaFaro is fantastic. His solos are among the LPs most impressive moments. In all, a superior if not quite superlative Evans effort.” The album also received the crown, that is, the maximum rating in Penguin Guide to Jazz.

PERSONNEL:

BILL EVANS, piano
SCOTT LaFARO, bass
PAUL MOTIAN, drums

Live at the Village Vanguard, New York, June 25, 1961.

SIDE A:

01 MY FOOLISH HEART
02 WALTZ FOR DEBBY
03 DETOUR AHEAD

Side B:

01 MY ROMANCE
02 SOME OTHER TIME
03 MILESTONES