Sunday At The Village Vanguard

I don't have much to say about this album. But what I can tell you is that the bass sounds improvised. Also, I really like jazz so that's a good thing. It does get a bit boring towards the end. I can't wait until Monday for my next recommendation. I'll give it 3 stars.

Wonderful

So excited to get a Jazz album. I’ve heard this name but never listened to them. Bass solo on “my man’s gone now” is great. This is mellower than I feel today. I need to make a list of albums like this for Sunday mornings.

Really impressive jazz that's pretty easy to listen to. I really like the background noises.

Super cool record! I love the keys and bass lines in this one. It almost feels opposite from what I'm used to where the keys fill almost foundational and grounding and the bass solos kind of take me on a journey. Also, the drums are really really good in this one too. Its chill, but its engaging. Its very soooooothing. Big fan of this one.

Pleasant piano trio jazz. Bill Evans isn't my typical go-to in the genre, but it went down easy and I could give it a few more spins, easy.

Too snooze-fest for me

I liked the piano. I liked the drums. I really didn’t like the double bass, especially when the solos trying to hit the high notes.

Standard restaurant music.

sounds just like every other jazz record!!!!!!!!

I’m sure I’m missing something with this album, love Bill Evans but the Vanguard album just misses the mark for me. Love Alice in Wonderland and Gloria’s Step but the rest didn’t hit me like other Bill Evans albums have

Jazz

Bill Evans was sort of a blind spot for me, because he kind of siloed himself and his trio off from most of the other jazz greats of his era, but this was really enjoyable.

wow, what a bass workout. typically jazz trios remind me of the cocktail bar in the Peabody at Christmas - always good music, but also always easy fade to the background as 'jazz' without needing focused attention. This one could be that - but it also rewards active listening, the interplay between them very apparent; this isn't an album of a soloist and his support, but a really symbiotic performance.

Not a big jazz fan (very hard for me to actively listen to), but this album makes for good background music.

Rating: 6/10 Very chill and pleasant jazz album, but every song sounds the same.

Not for me

Another instrumental album. As much as I would really live to enjoy these but I just find them really boring you know. I don't doubt that the music is fantastically well made and I would probably quite enjoy it in the background at a fancy restaurant. However, it's a no for general listening. Admittedly, I didn't listen to the whole album, and it becomes I nearly feel asleep. I apologise deeply to Bill Evans Trio as I'm probably not a deserving listener of their music.

Beautiful, relaxing, impressive compositions.

Nice background music, bit of a toe tapper.

erg jazzy

Nice jazzy set

Scott LaFaro's death shortly after this recording is really tragic because his bass really steals the show on this album. The piano compliments it perfectly, making for a super catchy album. This really showcases how powerful a jazz trio can be.

I tried. Not happening for me. So happy for the Trio though!

I can't believe I actually got this on a Sunday. That is hilarious. I love getting weird little coincidences like that on this journey. Anyways, this is a solid little jazz album. It serves as good background noise and that's basically what my thoughts on this album amount to. The sound is nice. All of the instrument playing is good. The album length is good. It's not too short, but not too long. The live nature of this album really isn't all that noticeable. You kind of forget that this is a live album until a song ends and you hear the audience clapping. That's really the only live element to this, and that's okay. I'm not really a fan of live albums anyway, so I'm happy with this. The compositions are good. Overall, while this album doesn't stand out to me much, it also doesn't do anything wrong. High 3/5.

Sunday At The Village Vanguard is about as typical jazz album as typical jazz albums get and that means another elevator album. There is nothing inherently wrong about this album but it is very uninteresting. The songs, while sounding fine and were pretty well recorded, all were generally very similar sounding and didn't really have identities of their own. I can't even think of a single song that stands out as particularly good or bad. I do not hate this album but it failed to interest me in any way. Best Song: Jade Visions Worst Song: Alice In Wonderland

Jazz is the equivalent to musical mental illness.

First date with jazz here, it’s a genre I have no idea how to review, I just think stuff either sounds good or bad. But this is definitely on the good side. Love the bassist, love the atmosphere, love that you can hear people and clinking glasses. God not to sound like I’m sniffing my own farts but there is something so romantic about hearing the people milling around, they really are this extra piece of improvisation. You can almost imagine the music is soundtracking their lives and it’s hard not to imagine what the audience members are doing with this soundtracking it. I think my only complaint, and it’s entirely personal preference, is I think I like quartets and quintets more, I like my jazz with brass or woodwinds. BUT that’s very much not the vibe here. But it's also boring...

Incredibly solid jazz, including some ripping bass work by Scott LaFaro in his last recorded appearance. Being a relatively early live album however, and in a small venue at that, most of the recording is marred at least gently by the sound of patrons chattering and clinking in the background. Still, very classy listening, and smooth on the ears.

Didn't impact on me in the way that Monk and Mingus did, but an enjoyable listed and music that I imagine needs to be heard and seen live to be properly appreciated. 3.75/5

- cest jazz. jchu pas vraiment un jazz person en generale. j’en pourrais etre. - this is fucking amazing. de plus c’est pas vraiment jazz jazz, cest plus chill et moin experimental - thi sis just such beautiful music. just piano bass drums and it’s cracked. the bass playing is insane.

Nice mellow Jazz album. Will definitely listen again

Doesn't do much for me, not bad for background noise that about it

Just jazz. it took me a while to get round to this album… the musicians have great talent, its just not my taste, to much meandering. I wouldn’t listen again

My new favourite jazz album.

The coolest white people ever got.

Nothing crazy but nothing bad. It's consistently smooth and groovy, but also just kinda there. It's great at being what it wants to be so positive points from me.

I liked the bass playing but nothing stood out to me here. Most of this faded into the background.

One of my all time favourite jazz albums. To me, Bill Evans is the template for the jazz pianist. He's accessible and inventive at the same time.

I can imagine the Rat Pack sitting in a club listening to the Bill Evans Trio.

He's killing it in a way I probably don't understand, good study/work music

Chill jazz, good for working or studying.

This was really good. Excellent jazz is timeless!

This album is like the antithesis of Third - Soft Machine to me, as it feels like it fixes everything about that album that I didn't like.

I loved the way this album makes you feel relaxed and it has solid grooves. Will def listen again. Made me feel like I was in a jazz club and I could hear ice clanking in my bourbon. We have only had a couple jazz albums so far, this is the best.

My goodness this album is enjoyable! I’m not educated enough in this genre to give a credible review but 5 stars from me, I loved it.

It's an album

Piano Jazz. Ok okay

Nice but forgettable

A nice reminder of how boring jazz can be. It's a live album but you can barely hear the audience in it. It's probably because they all fell asleep.

I'm glad jazz exists. It's how I can tell which bookstores are too good for me.

Sunday at the Village Vanguard offers a challenging listening experience. The album often feels disjointed, with each musician seemingly playing a different tune, resulting in a chaotic and discordant atmosphere. The bassist sounding like they are tuning up, the drummer's erratic rhythm sounding like a rainmaker, and the piano playing that resembles hotel lobby music left me feeling disoriented and disconnected from the music. There is a lack of cohesion and structure, making it difficult to engage with the performance on a deeper level. While some may appreciate the avant-garde nature of the album and its experimental approach to jazz, I found it frustrating and inaccessible. Tracks like Gloria's Step and Alice in Wonderland exemplify this disjointedness, with some moments of beauty overshadowed by moments of confusion. Overall, Sunday at the Village Vanguard may appeal to those with a penchant for avant-garde jazz, but for me, it feels like an exercise in musical chaos rather than a cohesive artistic statement. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 0 STAND OUT TRACK - None

0.5/5

A technically outstanding jazz record, and recorded in a day, while also recording a second album. Especially the bass solos are a joy to behold. But the album never grabbed me, never made me really listen. I liked it, but didn't love it.

I don't want to judge too harshly because I really know nothing about jazz, and I'm sure this was an influential album and probably very nuanced and ect. But strictly based on the criteria of do I want to hear this album again, no I do not. Just not my taste.

Its funny to review nice instrumental music.

I'm always happy to hear some jazz on the list, but I feel like I need some horns or something else to keep me fully engaged, just piano, drums, and bass can get a little stale. The playing is great though, and the recording is too, just blends into the background a bit without something more going on.

More Jazz ... So much Jazz

Just makes everything feel classy!

That was an absolute treat! I put it on while I was reading John lydon's biography anger is an energy and it paired really well much to my surprise. Definitely keeping this for mobile listening and going to put it on as a makeout album with my girlfriend

This would be good music to play in a hotel lobby or similar situation but just not going to be something I go searching out.

Solid jazz

classic

This could be is a rewarding, multi layered experience, but while surface level club chatter might suggest background music, focused listening reveals a brilliant lesson in jazz. The trio’s chemistry, particularly the delicate piano and bass on "Gloria's Step" and "Alice In Wonderland", is what lifts this up above general mediocrity.

It's good music but god damn jazz is hard to get through sometimes

Cute

first listen. not my thing.

Soft, easy listening.

Not my thing but was pleasant

Feels like brunch. I mean that in a good way. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed both listen throughs of this album. 4

This recording is great, taken in what sounds like a cafe? The quiet murmurs of people talking around your head is great, makes you feel like you’re there. Oh, and the music is soothing too ;) 3.5

typowy jazz, taki nie denerwujący ale też nie tego typu żeby sobie w tle puścić i nie zauważyć

Great performances, this group has good chemistry and it really shows in this recording. Nothing really blew me away, though. I like more experimental jazz personally but this was still very good.

Incredible chemistry and communication in this trio and they really captured the magic in these recordings. So tragic to think this was the last time Scott La Faro played and he was only 25. Virtuosic playing and his compositions are my favorite in the album. The way him and Bill Evans weave in and out lead and supportive playing and can do both at the same time is so interesting and beautiful.

One of my all time favorite jazz records and all time fav musicians. His playing is so unique and beautiful. Scott lafaro is totally shredding the whole time. Jade visions is awesome. Some of the best trio playing ever

Don’t get it

Cover Impressions: No clue what this is based on the cover. 60s has me thinking it could be traditional oldies style like Buddy Holly, but the cover guy being so old makes me think it could be big band kind of jazzy stuff like Dave Brubeck. Definitely was closer with the Brubeck. This album reminds me of riding around in the gigantic back seat of my grandparents Cadillac DeVille. It's very calming music for me, but the live claps and some distracting guitar noises kind of detract from the overall experience. I'd be interested in adding these to a home music playlist if there are some studio recordings. I wasn't able to keep track of which song titles were which, but I think one of the Alice in wonderland takes were probably my favorite. 3/5

Jazz is okay, but I prefer music. Top Tip: if listening with ear buds, take the left one out to enjoy the piano and drums without the bass rattling away at random like a fly trying to find a path through a pane of glass.

I don't think I've ever heard of the Bill Evans Trio, but I'm not very familiar with jazz music, so I'm not surprised. Like pretty much all of the other jazz albums I've reviewed, this album was fine. I don't really have any objective ways to judge it, but it was fine to listen to. I did like that it was a bit more stripped down in terms of the number of instruments present, but I think that the simplicity really showcased how the form of the songs was structured through the interactions between bass, piano, and drums. Overall, this album was fine, and I wouldn't be opposed to revisiting it some day.

Appreciate the talent, but jazz is just directionless to me. Sounds like they are warming up.

I wish I knew more about Jazz to fully appreciate this. Was an awesome vibe though. I felt like I was in the movie Taxi Driver the whole time. I also loved how it was live so you could hear some distant chatter and the clinking of cups. Favorite track was My Man’s Gone Now. Did not add to Spotify library.

Album is all peaches and cream daddy-o. Makes me feel like the coolest cat at the malt parlor. Jazz is awesome because it’s just jam bands for old people. Favorite song-Jade visions

I like jazz and this made me feel like I was back in the 60s smoking a cigarette next to my right hand gal. However, I felt as if ever song was very similar.

Its like Bill Evans left and right hands are being operated by separate brains. Insane playing all around. Some great improv happening all throughout. Bottle clinks and the applause breaks pull me into the night club jazz feel of the 50's. good stuff. Highlights: My Mans Gone Now Jade Visions

love this so much , lots of energy and incredible playing..

This seems like very grown up music. Full of masterful musicianship and expertly played Instruments. I would definitely come back to this for chilled Sunday afternoons with a roast dinner and a glass of wine.

Really nice and easy listening.

Sublime, melodic, exquisite live jazz. Unbelievable that people in the small crowd would talk during this performance. Yes, 63 years ago, there were “chompers” in the audience. 🙄

Did not hear completely

Cool vibes! I can’t always 100% identify with jazz, but I enjoy it in the moment and this made my living room feel cozy tonight.

Made me think how well jazz and food go together. Like black coffee and french pastry enjoyed slowly; or craft beer and a flower salad. Never had that thought so vividly before. And then it expands into enjoying other arts, and even nature. The ambient sounds of drinks clinking and people murmuring emphasize that sense of jazz as an overlay that contours and dances with the rhythms of living. Not surprising coming from a guy who played with Davis and Coltrane. Really enjoyed.

Easy soft jazz. Not life changing.

No need to encourage me to listen to this album: it's one I listen to at least a few times each month. Bill Evans is incredible. I love all his work. This album has long made me wish so much I could've been there at the Village Vanguard for these sessions, and seen him play many times over. Genius is a word that gets thrown around a lot but is appropriate for Mr. Evans.

I guess I’m not a jazz person. Good for one listen but wouldn’t seek it out.

Smooth and buttery

This is restaurant background music. Another example of an album that I probably would have loved live (and would be fine with playing while I work), but will never remember.

Jazzy

I feel like I still have a way to go with Bill. A great performance but I wasn't listening in the right time. The trio is on fire, especially the bass.

Leuk maar ik krijg er hoofdpijn van

Fantastisch lekker op de achtergrond!

This album feels instantly familiar, like slipping into a comfortable pair of shoes. It's that quintessential "elevator jazz" – the kind everyone instantly recognizes, the kind that's impossible to dislike. There's a reason these sounds are so enduring - It's undeniably smooth, catchy, and expertly played. While it might not seem ground-breaking, it's a chill and timeless representation of its genre.

Nothing like a little yazz improvisation to start a foggy morning. I'm a little confused at the track sequencing on the Spotify version -- looks like multiple takes are embedded in the original track list rather than tacked on as bonus tracks. I really did not give this much focus throughout the listen, but I thoroughly enjoyed it being there. This is the kind of easy jazz for which well-stuffed leather chairs and mahogany bookcases are made. Really pretty key-work takes most of the show, but the interplay between all three members is really top notch. Love how the bass shines through on Alice in Wonderland in specific. Mixing is nice, especially with the little bits of audience banter bleeding through. Gives the impression of a lived-in environment that jazz benefits from. This is a strong 4 in my mind.

Lovely soft jazz to start a day. Very easy to listen to. Not really sure why there's two takes for each song, but it barely made a difference in an album like this. Pretty much as square of a 4.0 as you could get. No blemishes, but not a ton of wow factor.

A little too jazzy for me. It was all over the place the whole time. The bassist is a madman, I could have used a lot less of him

This is a perfect album for a rainy day. Listened to it while doing laundry and dishes. The quiet talking in the background got me a bunch of times. Kept thinking Wyatt was behind me trying to have a convo. Heavy pro for noise canceling headphones on that one. I don't have many notes other than the piano killed it throughout. Would love to listen to this eating at a fancy steakhouse. Solid af 4.

Always wonderful to listen to

Glad to be introduced to this album. It's certainly remarkable playing. It's easy to lose track of whether the piano or the bass are taking the lead. And the drumming is spot on too. It's not easy listening, though, and my attention wandered. Next time I listen it may be a 4, but for now it's a 3. Fave tracks Gloria's Steps (Take 2) and All of You (Take 2).

Just not my cup of tea. Extra star for being able to play instruments well

Bill shines but the real standout of this live performance is bassist Scott LaFaro, who sounds like he's trying to out-rhythm-section his drummer. There are sections where they are just cooking together while Bill comps or lays back, content to let his chosen accompanists take the spotlight. It says a lot when a leader chooses a team that they can learn from, and Bill Evans is always collaborating with the very best. This record is a perfect showcase of that.

Very mellow, I like how long each song is and that it bleeds into the next!

Very reminiscent of the Vince Guaraldi Trio. Easy to listen to.

This was fine? Each song was repeated twice which I found unnecessary. The live aspect was mildly interesting. Especially listening with headphones

3.5 very groovy

Sehr eingängige hervorragend produzierte Jazzmusik live eingespielt. Auf dem ersten Gehör wirkt es wie angenehme Hintergrundsmusik. Genauer zugehört ist es ein Niveauvolles kleines Meisterwerk, das auch verschiedene Geschwindigkeitsstufen anbietet. Mit Kopfhörern gewinnt die Gesamtproduktion an Qualität und zeigt wie mit leichter Hand meisterliches für die Ohren geboten werden kann.

Dull background music.

Started off OK, thought this may turn the tide of low jazz scores but sadly didn't last. Probably my most liked jazz album so far, but can't justify any more than 3 stars (and feel like it's bordering on 2 tbh). Just as well today is a good day.

some good jazz for a nice day

An essential jazz piano album. Very famous, for good reason. This album is just pure vibes, everything from the lucsious harmonic approach that is effortless on Evans playing, to the on point accompaniment from the bass and drummer player, this is a musical masterpiece. I love how you can even here the audience tapping cutlery off the plate, and indistinct chatter it just really adds to the feeling that I am actually in a jazz club. I love this album and it conforts as well as amazes me greatly.

Really enjoyable jazz album. Satisfyingly paced, well structured songs. Me likey. 4.5 personally

Evidently, we’re not old enough to like jazz yet. That was an hour and eight minutes of one song. (There are actually three songs on the album twice, which leads us to think there aren’t enough good jazz songs so they had to repeat a few of them.) The album is good background music during martinis and dinner at a classy restaurant. The drinks and dinner brought it up to (1.2*s)

Nr. 143/1001 Gloria's Step Take 2 3/5 Gloria's Step Take 3 3/5 My Man's Gone Now 3/5 Solar 3/5 Alice In Wonderland Take 2 3/5 Alice In Wonderland Take 1 3/5 All Of You Take 2 3/5 All Of You Take 3 3/5 Jade Visions Take 2 3/5 Jade Visions Take 1 3/5 Average: 3,0 It's okay I guess, but not something I would ever listen to actively. Maybe as background music.

Perfect jazz record

Beautifully balanced. Exquisite bass.

Great live jazz set

I am not a jazz connoisseur, however this had a great vibe to it. 3 stars because its multiple version of similar songs.

Smooth Jazz. Moni ellei kaikki kappaleet oli jostain syystä kahdesti ja en osaa oikeasti sanoa oliko ne samoja kappaleita. Kertoo jonkin verran millaista musiikkia. Aika taustamusiikkia, mutta hyvää sellaista. Ei parhaita

No m'agrada especialment el jazz però l'he gaudit bastant Expected Lorenzo rating 1 BeCaUsE lIvE

i have potentially listened to a version of this album 100 times before and it is some of the most enjoyable jazz ever

i'm more of a mingus man myself, but it was a nice listen that soothed while i wrote and played games. nice stuff.

Not what I normally call ‘my thing’ but I enjoyed it.

Very soothing album.

Jazz piano music

What a beautiful record. So peaceful and smooth throughout. Something about the different takes that this group presents and how well they all vibe together. Always a fan of Bill Evan’s Trio.

not bad. a good balance of pring-pring's and ba-dah-ba-dah's. i dont know enough about jazz but i would cook to this music.

Easy listening jazz. The piano is nice. Nothing in particular demanded my full attention but it's certainly not unpleasant to listen to. Would look up more Bill Evans in future.

Ljúfur og áheyrilegur jazz, en píanó-bassi-trommu tríó er í sjálfu sér ekki mitt uppáhald. Kannski þarf maður að renna þessu oftar, en þetta er ekki mjög grípandi við fyrstu hlustun.

-gloria's step: sounds like pizzeria music -my man's gone now: better than gloria's step. -solar: not my vibe. r all the song's on this album the same? tf. a skip. -alice in wonderland: had high hopes. again, thoroughly disappointed. this genre is terrible. -all of you: this is listenable. nvm. it's shit. overall: this whole album is a skip. i get the vibe he was going for, it j didn't pull through. i want to know who let this man cook.

I tried to keep an open mind, but jazz just isn't my thing.

Alright with it at first but got tired of it fast. All the songs started to sound the same.

Great album - first listen

Smooth as fuck. Play it over your workday and elevate your life to mid-century modishness

A nice jazz album. Well record too

Great musicianship. Music flows effortlessly.

Love it but his piano style is very wistful lots of the time and lacks some purpose.

A Good Album that is impossible to review. Kaleidoscopic phrases, beautiful interplay, a moment of true inspiration and sweat and grime captured by some of the best musicians who lived. It's complex! And it's instantly a huge Jazz favorite for me. It's kind of a page-turner, this record... tons of harmonic stuff to sink your teeth into. If 1001 Albums had 20 Bill Evans albums, sure, I'd probably have a tough time telling you the 3's from the 4's from the 5's. This ones' a 5. 5/5

Sometimes I think with the way Bill plays it doesn't really matter which piece he's playing, he's still going to transport you to his world of calm but complex harmony and melody. If you're new to Bill Evans and liked this I recommend Waltz For Debby, Skating In Central Park, Peace Piece and the Cannonball Adderley track Toy which features Bill.

Jazz at it s best

This is my type of jazz! Bright, engaging, smart… what a 🔥 set!

I'm sure it's really good music, I just don't know any situation I would listen to it.. I'll try again in a few years 🙈

Jazz, trio, instrumental, jam, solo on solo, the bass is killing me, not catching me. puh - not at all...

Solid live jazz

Felt like I was in a speakeasy with a pack of Newports and an Old Fashioned

Music for my next highbrow soirée. Actually quite relaxing after a while. Listens: 1 Fave Track: Solar

It’s jazz, which I’m not particularly into.

Lounge music that incorporates too much of a freeform style to be enjoyable. It’s like they took the mid parts of the Vince giraldi trio’s Charlie Brown Christmas album and made an entire record out of it.

That's not my taste in musik. But ok

Do you like jazz? Because this is extremely good jazz. Such a warm clear recording I can practically smell the tobacco haze and spilled booze. 8/10

Sweet stuff! I don't expect the trap and metal bros to like it, but it sure is great! 3 excellent musicians masterly playing the music they love. This is right up my alley. Scott LaFaro on the bass has the best articulation I've heard in a long time. ICYMI, he's revered as a master who died too young.

Drummer rips, great piano ebbs and flows, bassist holding it all together. Some dynamics, but typically sat in the pocket and at points it seemed to meander aimlessly. Overall, really liked it and will probably listen again.

beautiful

This album is well crafted and musically very nice to listen to- but it is not my style and I did not enjoy it as much as someone should

While not my favorite from the Trio, this is an excellent example of what they could do. Evans for so long had been a sideman and this was his coming out party, so to speak. Jazz heads and those interesting in great music should be on this one! 9.7/10

Pleasent, light jazz, perfect for an easy Friday afternoon

I was looking for a Charlie Brown Christmas type sound after the holidays were over and this is it!

Didn’t even bother, just another hour of jazz

A pleasant listen heavy in jazzy improv. A good listen for jazz enthusiasts, but just a bit monotonous for those not as acquainted with the genre. I didn’t need all the standup bass solos…

Jazz for jazz heads. Not my favorite B.E.T album.

Felt like I was in an hour-long Charlie Brown TV special, except with more bass solos. I’m not mad.

I haven't quite acquired a taste for this type of jazz, but this album helped. Great music to Zen out to on a long highway drive.

It took so long to get through this. I learned that jazz with no horns is easy to ignore. 2.4 stars

It sure is a jazz album.

This album might be alright if you're 85+ years old or currently standing in an elevator. Listening to a recording of live, improvisational jazz will never stand up to being there in person so a lot is already lost there. This type of playing takes a lot of focus, adaptation, and listening on the musicians' parts so I'll give it that. I did like that there were no horns and the bass was a star player at parts throughout. However, this was just too boring and repetitive for me. Meh 1.5.

Ok Daddio...I'm truly perplexed. A guy strumming a rubberband, raw spaghetti on cymbals, and Bill hitting his piano with a shoe. What a complete discombobulated mess. Seemed like each guy was off just doing their own thing. I doubt the audience even knew there were multiple takes on some songs. Hard pass

I guess it can be nice to hear one of these songs while relaxing every now and then. But to hear multiple songs and even multiple takes is so completely redundant an unnecessary. Surprisingly, I wasn't there in 1961 but I'm not sure what the crowd sees in this. Evidently this is peak jazz? It's entirely possible I just listened to the same song 6-10 times in a row. I'm not sure I would have noticed a difference if any of these songs was put on repeat and someone told me I listened to this album. The first bass solo is somewhat refreshing and cool I guess? After that its all just the same baloney for an hour. 0.10 stars

I haven't listened to a lot of jazz before but I really loved this. So smooth and upbeat, really pleasant and interesting but easy to just daydream or work to. The backstory is neat and you can really feel the synergy between all the players

Me this morning: yes, some Jazz! Yes, some Bill Evans. And one I haven't heard yet. Jazz is kind of hard for me to rate. A lot of it sounds the same to my casual/untrained ear so I have to rate it on how it makes me feel instead of its technical proficiency- which I gather is what makes a lot of great jazz albums great. This one would indeed be a wonderful album to play on a Sunday.

I'll admit, there's probably something about the performance I'm missing—a review of the album on this website mentioned how good the interplay is between the three is if you listen hard enough. Of course, like a lot of other albums I've covered, I don't really have the time to listen to it closely enough to hear that? Like I normally notice stuff like that to begin with, anyway. And besides, even the review mentions it's not the reviewer's favorite album by this album, so... For my money, it's good jazz trio jazz (I like that sort of atmosphere), but I think I'll stick more with the A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS soundtrack.

Good background music, at least.

That is absolutely pure jazz. I could nitpick; a few tracks have the instruments going a little too hard sometimes for it to be a super relaxed jazz album, but that’s the type of nitpick that would get you punched in the face. It’s just a great album for easy listening – there are some points where I was maybe hoping for lyrics or a brass section moment, but nothing ever really felt empty. Absolutely a must-listen record, even if it’s only as background noise, because it will eventually suck you in, either with the bass, the piano, or the drums. I don't think it's a 5 – it's not the type of album that I'd give a 5, but I’m gonna go with a 4. I'm giving it that just because it’s a REALLY timeless jazz record; there’s not a single missed note or beat here. Just a great listen.

This was fantastic

Nice

Liked it more than the first time I listened but think Bill Evans has better albums.the bass is just too much sometimes.

In all it was a fine album, but piano jazz just doesn't do it for me. Technically speaking it was well performed.

Great album, got sucked into the atmosphere

This is a beautiful place to spend some time – three wonderfully talented musicians (and sadly proof of what we lost when Scott LaFaro died a few days later at 25). As with most standard jazz, it is not something to get into just like that. It demands focus and preparation to get the most out of this record. As an album being released, it ain't anything ground breaking. It is more an example of somebody that has mastered a tradition and a style. The cool jazz and post bop of the 50s has sort of come to its apex around this time, and this album is part of that. So it is amazing musicianship, beautifully recorded, but not anything revolutionary. Still an amazing album though, I am trying to pace myself with the 5 star reviews here.

Pretty chill and mellow for my tastes but generally fine. Decent background music but nothing to get excited about.

An amazing piece of Jazz from one of my favorite periods.

I don’t know how to appraise this. I feel truly neutral. The album repeated itself on my phone, and I only realized it started over when it occurred to me the album was incredibly long. 3. But not a 3 for “pretty good.” A 3 for “I dunno.”

Not my style.

I'm gonna rate this before finishing the album because I feel like I already know the vibes. Not bad jazz piano but not my genre

Perfection!

The curse of old jazz recordings that have become canonized as “the best” is that they end up played to death in hotel lobbies. I wish I had a better ear for jazz so that I could appreciate it more, but as it is it just sounds like check in at a Hilton

Love it.

Really enjoyed this!

Amazing sounds, loved listening to it multiple times. Perfect for a day of reading while sitting by a fire.

Solid jazz record. Some of the Bass solos were a but much for me, and I didn't like that there were multiple back-to-back takes of the same songs. But those are pretty minor quibbles.

Good tunes. Nonsense lyrics sweet!

Can’t go wrong with jazz.

Nah

Excellent jazz piano with Alice and Wonderland so I'm sold!

Enjoyable album. I’m not a jazz aficionado, but I thought it was very well done, and it didn’t sound like a 62 year-old recording.

Jazz, etwas viel, aber live wow. Ich kann es nicht so wertschätzen, wie es wohl nötig wäre.

Classic piano-driven jazz. Fantastic!

Not my thing, but clearly great musicians

I recognized Bill Evans as a great jazz pianist and had heard random tracks that featured him but this is the first time I listened to a full set. I really enjoyed this album. The interaction between the players was great. This album is being added to my library so I can listen to it again, when the mood strikes me.

I don't usually listen to much Jazz, but I appreciate it. I am absolutely blown away by the quality of this recording. I don't think I have ever heard a live recording with this much detail and clarity, kind of blown away this is from 1961. The trio are very talented, very obvious they are masters of the craft of jazz. The grooves on the bass are spectacular. Percussion is tight, and not overly flashy. Evans is a treat on the keys, knowing full well when to step back and let LaFaro solo. There were times I was wondering who was in my house, as I kept hearing chit chat or the clink of a glass. It was all from this record. Quite the immersive experience if you ask me. Very enjoyable listening, I see no reason why this shouldn't be 5 stars.

one of the best live jazz recordings of all time. 4.1

I can't do jazz. I have tried, but I need some order I guess.

Nope

Best Song: Gloria's Step / Take 2. Probably just because the album was new and I was ready for jazz. Worst Song: Jade Visions / Take 1. I had now grown tired of this whole jazz thing. Overall: I feel too ignorant to truly rate this album. I don't know enough about jazz. I don't know why there were two takes of each track. I don't even know if the two tracks were nearly identical or radically different because I can't even hold the idea of the jazz constant in my head. That isn't to say it's bad, but for me it's just good enough to leave on in the background while I cook.

Nope

I have heard some of these before. Really enjoyed the very chaotic and spontaneous sound. The little sprinkles of each instrument together gives such a great sound.

Cool jazz trio. I washes over in a pleasant way.

holy shit nice this recording gets a little annoying though because the bass is almost entirely in my left ear and the piano is almost entirely in my right ear, which doesn't feel good after a while. i guess its immersive at least lol. and also the drums are completely in my left ear and the piano is completely in my right ear and the bass is entirely in my left ear and the drums are completely in my left ear.. oh wait spotify lets you change it to "mono audio" phew it's easy listening so it's nice for the background but not quite an eargasm

This record is dripping with atmosphere and is beautifully mixed. It feels like you're right there, cigarette in hand. The whole thing is beautiful, but my favourite track is probably Jade Visions. DEPRESSING FACT: The bass player was killed eleven days after this was recorded.

I’m a jazz pleb; I like some of it, but it has to be pretty immediately memorable. This just sounds like… jazz to me 2.4

I would fucking die for this style of jazz. It is my favourite style atm and my lord it gets me going. I get where Ryan Gosling is coming from in La La Land.

I don't really like jazz. They're good I suppose, but it needs something. Like a chello or a saxophone. Never quite gets there for me.

i am not upset at having this classic jazz album playing through my speakers today. truly some of the best.

it's so relaxing!

I want to give this a 3 so bad but it’s not fully there. I appreciate this as a fantastic jazz album it’s just not for me

Pues muy bien el virtuosismo de los músicos, pero es que no soy aficionada al género y no veo que esté en camino de serlo, la verdad. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Great album to start the day with; coffee drinking music - also good for dinner parties Reminds me of Charlie Brown Listening to multiple takes of the same track was a bit tiresome, not a huge difference between takes

not a fan of the structure of the album and the repeated tracks/performances. It’s ok jazz, not super interesting

smooth chill jazz that was easy listening. not particularly standout but i'd rather listen to this than some of the more out there stuff this generator has been throwing at me. favourite song was all of you - take 3

"Sunday at the Village Vanguard" by the Bill Evans Trio, recorded in 1961, is a masterclass in jazz instrumentation that seamlessly blends technical virtuosity with emotional depth. The album captures a live performance, notably showcasing the interplay between Evans on piano, Scott LaFaro on bass, and Paul Motian on drums. The trio's chemistry is palpable, especially in tracks like "Gloria's Step" and "Alice in Wonderland." Evans' delicate touch on the piano, LaFaro's inventive bass lines, and Motian's nuanced drumming create a captivating atmosphere. For those seeking an enjoyable instrumental jazz record, "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" is a sublime choice. Its sophisticated improvisations make it suitable for both active listening and as an enriching background for various settings. It earns a solid 3.5/5 for its timeless appeal and the trio's exceptional musicianship.

Didn't love it

Not my style but I get why people like it

I mean...I like it. It's really good--these are obviously incredibly talented musicians. I find myself easily distracted, however, which means it's good background music...?

Beautiful jazz. Kind of meandering, less focused on strong melody lines. Fantastic bass playing. We have had jazz albums for non-jazz fans. This is an album for jazz fans.

Didn’t make it the whole way through, but good jazz is good jazz. Gets the standard 3 stara

The man who recorded Kind of Blue with Miles! 31 Grammys! Killer record.

3 out of 5. This was a nice listening experience. I am much more on the saxophone, or electric jazz guitar flavor for jazz, however this was enjoyable. 3/5

A- 2.5/5 could listen to it. D -3 definition of easy listening and not in the best possible way. Great skill tho

Another of my favorites. 5 stars

Loved it!

I couldn't get through this album. It's good jazz but not my cup of tea

Lotsa funky stuff in this one, very complex, will definitely come back to it!

I liked it! Very good music to have on while doing anything, got me more into jazz

Pretty chill. Even a bit too classy for my taste. But can jazz be to classy? 3.5/5.

such cool jazz

It’s good. Instrumental, didn’t finish

Nice album to kick back and listen to, maybe while reading or writing up a schedule. I don't really listen to jazz, but I have some renewed interest The ambience of the live performances adds a lot to the likeability, oddly.

Not a jazz connoisseur by any means - but I occasionally enjoy listening to Jazz while I'm working. This was easy enough to not lose focus on my work, but if you do tune in and listen, includes wonderful melodies and remarkable ensemble. 5/5

Listened on vinyl. It’s a perfect album.

Not usually a big fan of directly listening to instrumental jazz stuff, but this is well constructed. Feels like atmospheric music to me. Weirdest thing to me is to have multiple versions of songs with the same name under different "Take" numbers, but I guess that's common for jazz live albums at the time? Listening a second time. I enjoy this but I don't think I would pick it? Also just kind of washing over me rather than getting me to engage with it directly. Maybe due to working? Unsure.

Cerebral, enjoyable to listen as background music while I do other things. I feel like I should listen attentively, but I just want to get to the next album on my list today.

Not really my thing. Easy listening and good musicianship.

Beautiful Jazz

That was a fun listen. Very cool in the classic sense

Fine. It's just so hard to tell if you like jazz or not.

Not my style at all. I love piano, but not when it's part of jazz. Just not my favorite.

Bass player is amazing, not my favorite bill evans

I just really don't like jazz

Of all the jazz music i do not understand i do really enjoy this guy. To be honest he sounds very talented while making music i can enjoy. Most jazz for me is over my head and i dont think it sounds very pretty. This is pretty technically proficient and worth a re-listen.

Love that it sounds like there are 15 people in the audience. Adds to the experience.

Smooth Jazz with very prominent bass. Last 2 tracks are my favourite. Definitely requires subsequent focused listens to really appreciate the detail in this album.

Made for a pleasant drive home tonite. Reminds me of my band days. I love that it was recorded live

All instrumental! Definitely a good one when working— hard to believe it’s recorded LIVE.

Jazzy!

Love the attention to the bass.

Was talented just I’m not the person to spin up a piano album. Was a bit to much on the classical for my liking.

The was a lot to like here--and I'm not really a jazz guy. My biggest gripe about this was that something sounded like a broken or loose linkage in my car when this was playing. Whenever I paused the music, it would stop so it was definitely something in the recording. I took me forever to realize this and it drove me nuts on my way to work. Besides that, great jazz album. 4/5

Ich verstehe sie Jazz-Begeisterten Mir ists aber schnell zu chaotisch- obwohl ich ja schräges Elektronik-Geklicker zB von Mum oder eprom liebe …

Sehr angenehm und gute Musik. Aber halt Jazz, geht hauptsächlich nur nebenher. Spannend das in der Live-Aufnahmen so viele Leute zu hören sind. Das macht es sehr authentisch.

Had it’s moments but mostly meandering

This really did nothing but provide some chill background music on my drive home from work. What’s special about this?

I did not like jazz at all in my younger days but as I have aged i have lost my jazz prejudices and have given it a try but in no way am I an aficionado. The elements of jazz I really like nowerdays are the more modern female jazz vocalists singing in a laid back smoky atmosphere. This album however was a joy to listen to. Have listened to Bill Evan’s before and found it ideal background music or to put on at bedtime. Can tell very accomplished and talented musicians involved. Liked this enough to put in my new discovery playlist.

Great smooth background jazz. Would be a pleasant night at a club listening to this. 4.5

Classic jazz instrumental Good for background

3.5-4 My enjoyment of the album was closer to 3.5, but I think a jazz fan might find it a 4-5. I don’t know a lot about jazz so I can’t speak to its technicality, but compared to some of the jazz albums I’ve listened to, this one was pleasant listening. It just felt more like background/holding/elevator music to me and didn’t really evoke any emotion for me, and I wonder if jazz is just something that should be experienced in person, especially more so than other genres. (So I think I’ll rate it a 4)

4.5/5

Algo muy bueno entre la habitual morralla de ésta página.

good starbucks background music (minus the clapping)

Just another jazz album, nothing dreadful.

Definitely felt like a Sunday At the Village Vanguard listening to this one. Not a good choice when you are needing to stay awake…but not bad either

Nice. Jazz standards.

The definition of a hidden gem. I put this album on repeat for the entire day and never stopped finding reasons to appreciate it.

Insofar as jazz goes this is some good stuff. Stellar production and wonderful arrangements working in service of an album that is great when you’re “in the mood” for some jazz.

Solid listen. Fascinating to hear jazz with no brass instruments. The real star is bassist Scott LaFaro. His playing is outstanding.

The kind of music you expect to play in the background at a swanky club. Unfortunately that doesn't do all that much for me.

Jazz

Best xmas vibe ever!! Mi nuevo álbum de navidad favorito

This was just OK. My taste for jazz is young and underdeveloped but I don’t think I care for this type. I didn’t mind it, though. It would be good as background music while I putter around the house or something.

That cello goes hard

This was good. Set a nice ambiance as I was listening and working.

Sehr schön athmos. Nicht ganz meine Musik aber anregend.

Kinda lost track of it after a while. I know it's a quintessential jazz record, but was just ok for me.

Good jazz, as always. Minus one star for that extremely annoying track listing on Spotify.

Goede muzikanten, maar wel een beetje saai album.

Great music to listen too while working at the computer.

Classic live jazz sound

Smoother than a baby’s butt

Would recommend for wandering Washington DC and rides on the train.

Jazz is difficult to rate. On one hand, it's boring. On the other hand, the musicians are playing their asses off. Each song is full of complex musical runs by pianist, bass player, drummer etc. Bottom line: How did it make you feel? 3.5

hard going-- not a jazz fan and this seems like the worst type to me.

A friend of mine is a big jazz aficionado and thinks Bill Evans is brilliant. I can recognise this as good jazz but otherwise I don't enjoy it a lot; I previously gave a Coltrane album 5/5 but that's because I want my jazz to have some saxophone.

More jazz. A nice enough listen, but didn't get going in the same way that Miles Davis did. It's a live album, but you can barely notice it (which I guess says good things about the recording and bad things about the audience). 2/5, won't listen again.

A true classic, especially if you like bass solos.

Enjoyable, easy listening. Nice drumming at times too. Not something I'd listen to regularly but enjoyable nonetheless.