Bill Evans Trio - Waltz For Debbie [Original Jazz Classics]

Bill Evans Trio's Waltz for Debby captures one of the most celebrated piano trios in jazz history at the peak of their creative synergy. Recorded live at New York's Village Vanguard in June 1961, this album serves as a companion piece to Sunday at the Village Vanguard, documenting the same legendary sessions that would become Evans' most revered recordings. The trio, featuring Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums, had developed an unprecedented level of musical telepathy, with each member contributing equally to the conversation rather than simply supporting the piano. Tragically, these would be LaFaro's final recordings before his death just ten days later, lending the performances an added poignancy.

Evans' delicate touch and harmonic sophistication shine throughout, balanced by LaFaro's revolutionary bass work and Motian's subtle, responsive drumming. The title track, "Waltz for Debby," showcases Evans' lyrical tenderness, his playing both introspective and emotionally direct. "My Foolish Heart" unfolds as a masterclass in ballad interpretation, with the trio creating an atmosphere of hushed intimacy despite the club setting. "Milestones" demonstrates the group's ability to swing with lightness and precision, while audience ambience and gentle applause remind listeners of the live setting without intruding on the music's spell.

This Original Jazz Classics Series pressing on 180-gram audiophile vinyl brings stunning clarity to these intimate performances, with Kevin Gray's all-analog mastering revealing new details in the interplay between the three musicians. The heavyweight vinyl provides exceptional surface quietness, crucial for capturing the album's dynamic range and delicate shadings. The tip-on jacket construction uses traditional methods where the printed artwork is glued to a thick cardboard backing, resulting in premium packaging that honors the album's status as a cornerstone of the jazz canon.

• Format: Black 180g Audiophile Vinyl LP, Tip-on Jacket
• Standout tracks: "Waltz for Debby," "My Foolish Heart," "Milestones"
• Pressing details: 180-gram audiophile vinyl, all-analog mastering by Kevin Gray, tip-on jacket construction, Original Jazz Classics Series
• Genre/style: Jazz, Post-Bop, , Cool Jazz
• UPC: 888072504844

One of the most influential piano trio recordings ever made, Waltz for Debby continues to set the standard for interactive jazz performance.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. My Foolish Heart
2. Waltz For Debby
3. Detour Ahead

Side B:

1. My Romance
2. Some Other Time
3. Milestones