I think I would like to delve into Bill’s playing by focusing on one album; in this case, the seminal Sunday at the Village Vanguard. I will choose one tune at a time and discuss his approach to it — I will include transcriptions to illustrate my points.
Sunday at the Village Vanguard was recorded live on June 25, 1961 at the Village Vanguard in New York City over five sessions (two matinee and three evening). The album has profound significance in the oeuvre of Evans and is well-remembered as the final performance by the original Bill Evans Trio. The group included bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. LaFaro was tragically killed in a car accident eleven days after the recording, on August 6th.
Evans and producer Orrin Keepnews reportedly selected the tracks for Sunday at the Village Vanguard to best feature LaFaro’s virtuosity; these included two LaFaro compositions: “Gloria’s Step” and “Jade Visions.”
Here is an excerpt of an interview with Bill where he stresses the importance of that date:
Bill Evans – Sunday At The Village Vanguard (Riverside RLP 376)
1. Solar
2. Gloria’s Step (take 2)
3. My Man’s Gone Now
4. All Of You (take 2)
5. Alice In Wonderland (take 2)
6. Jade Visions (take 2)
One of the most beautiful jazz albums ever made. Regardless of the tragedy of Lafaro’s young death and Evans’ drug-dependence, this music has a fragile atmosphere to it which requires an in-depth listening that doesn’t come easily to the average audience. This was the beginning of some major developments in piano trio tradition.