Sunday At The Village Vanguard

As a general rule, I love live jazz albums from midcentury - the time travel of it all with sounds of the sophisticated nightclub audience. I’m not a big fan of piano jazz though, and these tracks ended up blending a bit too much in the background for me. Nothing particularly stood out, though it was overall a pleasant listen.

Another very mediocre album. Smooth jazz that would work nice in a coffee shop or bookstore or just regular background music but pretty boring over an entire album length.

Jazz without any brass = boring elevator music

I'm not the target audience, but this album doesn't merit the hour and 16 minutes it takes. It sounds the same as all the other jazz.

quite safe and snoozy Jazz.

Very classic jazz. I liked it all but not enough to have them as liked. An album id put on for the background

Very enjoyable, I really enjoyed the background noise I thought it totally made the ambience. Spotify once again strikes with the inaccurate runtime Playlist add: “Alice In Wonderland”

Kinda got me thinking I should get a double bass

Not the kind of thing I´d listen on the regular but an nice change of pace

I'm sorry I just don't fuck with jazz like at all

Ei oo miu

It’s all the same song and that song is elevator music at best. As always, I’m sure it’s technically brilliant but that doesn’t save it for me.

I like bill evans. I like jazz. Thid id not my favorite. Try Peace Piece.

Smooth jazz.

It's good jazz. The live recording is very cozy. I'm not a jazz connoisseur though

it’s jazz music

I’m not crazy about this style of laid back lounge jazz, but this is some wonderful rainy day listening or when I want to walk around and feel like I’m in some sort of neo-noir comedy.

Soothing and smooth, not terribly exciting

Very nice jazz album.

jazz

Really nice piano. The bass and drums feel like they're having a conversation with it.

I personally lean more towards big band and blues, but this was okay.

Amazing jazz album

Mostly I have felt the jazz albums included on the list are all 5s. My issue has been more with what isn’t included. Like no Charlie Parker. Which I understand. He died in March of 1955. The list begins with Frank Sinatra’s album In the Wee Small Hours, which was released later that year, and only made possible by Columbia’s new vinyl LP, 33 1/3 rpm records. Without the release of these, albums as we know them would never have come into existence. Collections of an artist like Bird’s work became available later, and that’s how I got to know him, and jazz in general. The book, when it includes jazz, seeks ALBUMS that are considered high water marks and albums that often have had crossover influence in other genres like rock. Which brings me to THIS album. I appreciate Bill Evan’s. But I don’t think this showcases his playing as well as a studio album could. I find the clinking of glasses and occasional conversation in the background distracting. BUT, the playing of the three together? That IS showcased amazingly well. The mic on Scott LaFaro’s bass is also amazing. Rarely does a plucked bass sound so resonant on recording. And LaFaro’s solos are pretty incredible. So… today I am going 4. Idk. This probably is a 5 album too, but I am going to have to hear it more and get over the love aspects that bug me. 4 Boolean: True

Wish I knew more about jazz or music to enjoy this as more than just background music. But Alice in Wonderland (take 2) was nice.

Booooooooooring!

It’s fine.

Good to have as background for focus time. The bass is especially punchy, I like that.

very calm and reserved, but not my favorite style

#15 I didn't know that an applause can sound awkward. Feeling real performative and pretentious right now. This whole live album feels like one long song or a jam session but ultimately top tier background music. It sounds like a bunch of freestyle but it's actually not so I guess that's impressive. I think it would be much more magical if you could be at the concert yourself. I know that the technicality here itself deserves 5 stars but there's not a lot very remarkable stuff here for me to digest.

Nice don’t know enough about jazz to appreciate

Sip of whisky, drag of your cigarette, longing at the empty seat waiting for her. Bill Evans drops the final note as you grab your hat and hit the streets of Manhattan. Maybe next time her feminine ways will ease your melancholy.

Jazz…quien soy yo para juzgarlo? Pero suena pro

I like jazz but this album felt a little boring and sounded like elevator music, couldn’t finish it.

Even though there is no brass I enjoyed it very much.

Excellent

No complaints from me, I like listening to jazz and this isn’t something I have heard, more of an easy/more mellow listen vibe. Nice flow and apt for the Sunday title. Well into it after a couple of tracks. Shame it gets labelled as elevator or cocktail lounge music now a days. But - how do you compress the whole genre and history of say jazz into a handful of token representations, while having more sub genre representations, take your pick; 80s synth rock, prog or 90s Brit pop. The book audience was always the predominantly western rock audience. Just feels a bit tokenistic, adding occasional jazz and world music albums to look inclusive and more knowledgeable than you are, which is simply impossible. But if it leads a few to explore other musics that can’t be a bad thing. Anyway good album 4 Star

Det märkliga grundtemat i glorias step är det snyggaste jag hört på mycket mycket länge. Det här var pissbra, jättestark 4a

Crucially beautiful piano whilst BEEEP

Alldeles för mycket jazzrunk för min oklanderliga smak. För det mesta låter det som att alla kör solo samtidigt. Men på Jade visions är det mer samlat och det är det bästa jag hört på länge

Like most jazz albums, I just don't get it. But this album is very tolerable and smooth listening.

I liked this. Some reviewers call it elevator music but there is way more going on than they are giving credit for. I think what’s going on is since Bill found such a perfect match of chill and improv, that formula has been copied to death. The problem is that all those copies pale in comparison to this. This album is now in my rotation of reading on the couch music.

Still struggling with jazz and i don't think this album is my gateway moment. A bit too bassy for me.

One for the aficionados. Just sounds like jazz to me. Or a rainy, dull Sunday. Or a quiet lunch at an old quasi-upscale, now seen better days, restaurant. Or sitting with old people early afternoon, with just the sound of a ticking clock for company. If you know, it does it for you, if not, its sleepy background.

This certain style of jazz is a little overstimulating, sort of abstract white-person bebop, but this album is certainly fit for my "Cooking Pasta Dinners in Manhattan" playlist.

An hour of lite jazz is great for the background but I wouldn't recommend sitting down for a listen

Landmark live jazz set from Bill's trio, this was Scott LaFaro's last recording (As far as I know), he was tragically killed a couple of weeks later. Scott's soloing on this recording is second to none.

oh HELL yeah this is so goooood

I am just not familiar enough at all to say much about this album. I really appreciate a jazz album every once in a while, but this one felt a bit too estranging for me. Can’t really say much else. 2/5

Not a big fan of smooth jazz. It all sounded the same after a while on this album.

Jakby to był 'waltz dla Debby' to by byla 5

I have this stereotype that jazz around the 50’s became this anodyne, background music genre. Several albums on here have opened my eyes to the diversity of latter day jazz. This, however, is one of those stereotypical lounge jazz albums. Nothing against it, just why had this been the default kind of jazz for the better part of a century?

Gear: ZMF Auteur Classic LTD Shedua Artwork: 🤚🥸🤚 Production (Keepnews Collection): 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🤔🔁🌟 Rating: 🐇🐇🐇(🐇)/5

Historically I have not been a fan of jazz. I'd say I didn't find this too hard to listen to but intermittently felt bored. Maybe I'll learn to appreciate jazz one day.

Smoove jazz. Not for everyday for me,, but Evans and his piano are quite dreamy and fit a mood.

Couldn’t finish the album, it was really boring jazz music that sounded like it was being played by Monkeys with Tambourines just bashing instruments together and making noise

What better way to listen to Jazz music than in the raw, often unpredictable, and calming live environment. Bill Evans knew that very well as some of his live albums are far more well known and respected than a lot of his studio work. Sunday at the Village Vanguard is one of those well know live albums and isn't anything super crazy besides some real chill Cool Jazz. Despite this album being a "Bill Evans Trio" release, this album primarily focuses on Mr. Evans and his soft hands as he types away on his signature piano. The compositions here are extremely accessible, but also very plain compared to some of the other very inventive work I have heard from Mr. Evans. I didn't mind this project at all, in fact I quite enjoyed it, but I wish the other two parts of this trio were more present in the music as it felt like something akin to a solo headliner with a whole band of faceless people helping fill in where the main star isn't able to keep up with. I would compare this album to French Vanilla, it is technically still plain but with a bit more flavor to keep it from being so one-noted. Sunday at the Village Vanguard isn't the essential Bill Evans live project in my eyes, but it is a nice one to help ease someone into his live music or discography as a whole. Not bad, but I wish it had more sauce to it all.

Chill jazz

This one was annoying because the album tracklist on Qobuz didn't match up with the track list on Wikipedia. Different versions of the same song made it confusing. Aside from that, the music was OK, cool jazz could also be called boring jazz (esp. the drums). 2.5/5

Jazz is boring.

Avg jazz album

Man går aldrig helt galt i byen med behagelig jazz.

"Ya like Jazz?" Bee Movie (2007)

Really good jazz album. It is nice to hear such well composed being performed for what seems to be such a small audience by the amount of clapping you can hear in between songs. You can tell this group loves what they are doing. Best song on the album is Gloria's Step Take 3. Rating: 6.5/10

The simple fact of its improvisational nature requires that the best jazz albums are the live ones, and this is no exception. The real highlight here is the double bassist Scott LaFaro, sadly his last performance. He really made it sing. Jazz publications universally put this as one of the greatest live albums, and I'm not going to argue against their knowledge.

These guys are obviously awesome. The bass player has a ton of great solos, and the ensemble is on the same page at all times. It's technically and musically impressive, but I didn't love listening to it.

un jazz bien lindo para poner de fondo.

2 Hated the bass soooo much. Read about it afterwards and find out he died tragically young so I feel kind of bad but it ruined the album for me, the other two were playing decent enough and he was just stomping across it like somebody had let a toddler loose with an instrument. Apparently its really good though so shows what I know

This is some wonderful musicianship mired by the fact that it’s too complete. I don’t need take twos. I just need the best one. There is groove, style and inventiveness plus a band playing to stretch themselves and taking the audience for the journey which is great to hear.

Instrumentals, especially in this form, aren't really comparable to lyrical albums, to me. Not in that or the other is better, but rather just that they do not compare to each other neatly in my mind.

Very relaxing jazz for studying possibly. 7.1/10

I cannot get through this album. There isn't enough happening that interests me in this kind of jazz! I'll listen more intently today. The piano is excellent, Evans finds a lot of gorgeous melodies. Track 2 5:48 It's pretty good modal jazz but you can only do so much with three instruments. I need a mallet instrument brother... Favorite: My Man's Gone Now Least: I have no idea Shoutout: Jade Visions

an album to listen to while doing something else

Sometimes writing about music is exactly like dancing about architecture. Something about this album invigorates me in a way writing words about it doesn't do justice. This is like top notch balsamic vinegar, you savor every last teaspoon.

not really my thing, but good background music.

Good jazz

technisch hartstikke indrukwekkend. om naar te luisteren... wat saaie achtergrondmuziek. sorry bill

It was a nice jazz album, but a jazz album can only be so good

I always try to give jazz a chance because it doesn't come naturally to me. I feel that if I listen to it enough and develop that muscle, I'll uncover some essential element that wasn't completely obvious when I began. There's something to be said for music that doesn't provide the easiest way in. You have to work a little with jazz, and I like that. My grandpa loved jazz and had a massive jazz collection, and I suppose I listen to feel closer to his memory. I loved Alice in Wonderland. Overall, the whole album was extremely pleasant.

This would be my recommendation for anyone looking for a first jazz album, especially if they’re averse to anything too out there. The lack of any brass lends to a cool, laid back vibe, and I love the recording with the clinking of glasses and chatter. Bill Evans was a master of extended voicings, spread chords and the trio are almost telepathic in playing off each other

Great jazz, whatever album. If I was at a cocktail bar with my girl dressed up nice with a drink and some tasting plates this would be a 5 star experience immediately. But I was driving home from work and then in my kitchen cooking dinner. The good: super dynamic instrumentation. These guys are super talented and I’m a huge fan of how the bass and piano were the lead and rhythm in different parts of the album. The mix was great, the crowd noise as ambiance was great, and it was very comfortable to listen to. The bad: all the songs kinda blended together and nothing stood out. It’s just not a piece of work I would necessarily come back to, and there are instrumental jazz pieces in my playlists so I know it’s not just the genre. Overall a pleasant listen and it would be great as parlor music when I’m hanging out in a lowkey setting, just nothing to write home about

There is nothing about this album that I feel I needed to listen to at all. It’s not bad music but it feels to me like background music, with nothing that stands out

Nice, unimposing jazz for easy listening. Ruthlessly forgettable but in the right setting could repeat for hours without getting tired of it. No favorites bc everything sounded pretty much the same to me

I loved this album. The constant interplay between the Bass, Piano and Drums feels like they really were sharing one mind that day. The acoustics are so clear and I can picture myself at a table watching them play. Evans shines as a technical, nuanced, classical performer. He is able to finesse such emotion out of the piano, I found it honestly breathtaking at times. What blew me away the most was Scott LaFaro on bass. He transformed that instrument into fill so many different roles, he was percussive back beat in "My Man's Gone Now," the bass keys under Evans in Jade visions. His intonation and timbre were so perfectly suited each time he played. It was a masterpiece. I tried to conceptualize this as a live recording, less of an album with a message and a story. Even so, some of the tracks did fall into the background at times, particularly "Solar." Other than that, though, this is an amazing set and is a high standard for our first jazz trio album. I can't wait for just around October 17th, when the sun is getting low in the sky and the wind is picking up. I'll pick up this album them to go at it again. I think it'll be perfect then. Favorite Tracks: Alice in Wonderland, Jade Visions, My Man's Gone Now.

I'm a tad biased, since I love me some Bill Evans, so I'll preface with that. What a wonderfully understated album. Simplicity reigns supreme here, and I'm partial to the occasional hit of horn-less jazz. These dudes are mind readers. They have this uncanny ability to play off of each other, especially Evans and Lafaro. Part of that is probably a function of Bill's playing style and unique chord voicings -- he likes to use rootless chords in the left hand, giving the bassist the freedom to explore melodies and rhythms without boxing him into a timekeeping role. Still, it's refreshing to hear a bass player exercise this much agency in melodizing underneath a piano solo, and this is maybe one of the purest examples of musicians in conversation with each other that I've seen to date. I think a criticism that could be leveled at this album is that it sounds like generic cocktail/hotel bar jazz, but I'd argue that this is likely the source material for why this is what you hear in clubs and lounges all over the place. I have no way of actually verifying that, but anecdotally, the jazz pianists I knew (5-6 different people is my sample size) cited Evans as an influence in how they play. Can't really blame them for wanting to emulate that kind of depth and feel in their sound. The songs however, are remarkably similar which is another knock I can see coming. Bill has such an instantly recognizable sound; I reckon that y'all could pick out a Bill Evans song in a blind listening test without any trouble. Those extended block chords and voicings, plus all of the breathing room he leaves between each chord, make his playing here sound like falling rain on a misty day. It's just plain beautiful. You can hear such a strong influence from the impressionist composers that I loved to play growing up (Ravel and *especially* Debussy) with that ethereal, watercolor-y sound. Maybe just me, but you can really hear that classical training in the way he rolls through his phrases. People will point to Thelonius and Herbie, and I won't begrudge them that, but for my money, Bill is the greatest jazz pianist of all time. Okay that's enough glazing. Yeesh. As much as I love Evans' playing, I would argue that that Scott Lafaro's bass playing is the star of the show here. Listening to him dance up and down the fretboard was such a treat, and you can tell that him and Bill brought out the best in each other in this album. No idea when we're gonna get to A Kind of Blue, but I hear so much of the Bill Evans sound in that album, especially in Blue in Green and Flamenco Sketches. I know he was the pianist on that album, but it's remarkable how clearly his influence can be heard in different albums. 7/10. Half star bump because I’m biased and you can’t stop me Favorites: - Solar - Alice In Wonderland - All of You

Enjoyable for sure but not much to it. I’m sure my Jazz boys (Thomas & Joey) can offer some more in-depth analysis. But for me to love a jazz album I have to feel it in my bones. This didn’t quite hit the mark but still very enjoyable. Low 7/10

Yeah, this is good listening.

Bien.

It may be great for jazz lovers but I just can’t do it.

I find live jazz albums a little tough to judge because, on their surface, individual tracks played by the same group on the same day make for a texturally monotonous experience (unless you use a big band, or orchestra, or ensemble cast, etc.). So live jazz records are great in terms of pure music – indeed, every song on Sunday At The Village Vanguard is great – but not in terms of isolated, 40-minute pieces of art. As such, I can't imagine giving this 5 stars with the "album-as-a-piece-of-art" standards being set so high by (most of) the rest of this 1001 Albums list. Hopefully I'm not spouting blasphemy here. Regardless: it's very good. Better (or at least more accessible) than the more experimental side of jazz represented on the list (think Bitches Brew), but not nearly as good as the likes of Kind Of Blue, Aja, Buena Vista, or A Love Supreme. Considering I gave the latter two each 4-star ratings, I'll place this at 4 stars too. Excellent basswork and piano playing – the former especially standing in the second half of My Man's Gone Now and throughout Solar. I'm not particularly blown away by the drumming in any of the songs, though All Of You takes a decent stab at virtuosity. We are sorely lacking in the percussion department for the most part though. The problems of being a three-piece band with no vocalist, I guess. Transition between Gloria's Step and My Man's Gone Now is the first of many solid song transitions that show definitively why live albums should not be underestimated. The latter song is also just incredible, with a beautiful exotic soothing atmosphere, lots of soft cymbal work, and a very approachable piano part. 4/5 Key tracks: My Man's Gone Now, Solar

4/8

It really is a beautiful jazz album. I could listen to this any relaxing afternoon.

Not so easy listening, but really enjoyable Jazz

People are talking in the background. I guess they’re also bored…

did not listen, but i can guess it is a 1 as it si jazz and it has different takes for songs

Me gustó mucho el ambiente de restaurante que había. La música linda, pero se ponen con los solos de contrabajo y cosas así que me embolan mal. Los solos son de guitarra y cada tanto piano o batería.

A great live jazz album from three musicians at the absolute top of their game. Bill Evans takes the lead on piano, with drummer Paul Motian keeping time and Scott LaFaro laying down a solid bass line on top. Each of them complements the others perfectly and listening to the different versions of the tracks recorded over several sets included here shows how effortlessly they improvised around the basic structures of the composition. Sadly Scott LaFaro was killed in a car accident just eleven days after this recording, and by all accounts the loss was devastating to Evans who was also struggling with his own personal demons of heroin addiction at the time. This makes listening something of a bitter sweet experience.

An interesting listen, on Spotify the songs are duplicated so that was funny to realize. Also listening at work and hearing people eating and talking in the background made me look around a couple times.

It's jazz piano. Sounds good but also sounds like background music to me. Nothing about it stood out for me to say hey I recognize this is unique

This sounded crisp on my Swans OS-10. Incredible that it was recorded in the early 60s. Relaxing jazz, didn’t find myself getting bored. Would be great to listen to in a dimly lit bar with a martini.

While I don’t regularly listen to jazz, I always appreciate a well-executed jazz show. This one hits that mark. Great musicians performing their craft with emotion.

Real jazz wankery

I was already familiar with this album before listening. It's a jazz classic featuring some outstanding jazz piano work. It's light and airy while also feeling substantial. The tunes themselves are well structured and always feels purposeful. Alice In Wonderland is a particular highlight. It feels great to listen to on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I would listen to this album any time.

Bom, vibe murakami

Um cadeirão, silêncio a noite com este estilo de jazz e reflexão. Da sempre vontade de fazer estas sessões. Agora esta mais difícil

Album #232 and this is easily the most boring I've heard so far. Music to fall asleep to.

I just don’t resonate with regular jazz music. I can appreciate the contribution to music forms that I like.

This live jazz album is chock full of rambling improvisation that doesn't always lead anywhere. There are six songs and although undoubtedly very well played, none of them struck me as particularly memorable or engaging. I have to be in the mood for some heavy noodling to really enjoy this kind of stuff. A perfectly decent jazz record and the sound quality is surprisingly vivid.

Not a great fan of jazz and this doesn’t really change my opinion. It’s not horrendous, but not something I’d revisit.

Great background music, loved the double bass.

First time listening to Bill Evans, and I'm hooked. Always a big fan of jazz.

Pretty nice. I haven’t heard enough jazz to know where this holds up, but I enjoyed it.

Jaaaaazzzzz

Jeg har ledet efter den perfekte setting til at forstå det her. 2 Timer med total ro i værkstedet hvor der skulle lodes og hygges uden at tænke for meget. Musikken triller der ud af, men jeg forstår stadig ikke hvad der er særligt ved det? Er det fordi de er bedre musikere end andre, er det fordi de kan formidle kedsomhed musikalsk, eller er det simpelthen bare fordi eliter mennesker, fortæller hinanden at de elsker jazz i en slags ekko kammer af musik snopperri? - Jeg kommer nok aldrig til at værtsætte jazz, og heller ikke det her album.

Det her album mangler en voiceover der hvert halve minut siger: “Du er nu nummer 3 i køen til at tale med en medarbejder. Dit opkald er meget vigtigt for os. Vores søde medarbejdere arbejder på at besvare dit opkald hurtigst muligt”.

Look at this geek. Absolutely sick

"Gloria's Step" and "Alice in Wonderland" are amazing. The whole album is pure jewel.

perfect vibe. kind of wish it was holiday season, sitting by a fire, rainy day...

It's freeform jazz. Piano, drums, double bass. Every track was for me totally interchangeable with every other track. I'm 800 or more albums in to this project, I think I can say I don't care for jazz now. I'm glad the top reviewers are getting a lot out of it, though.

Jazz and I have a complicated relationship, in which I try very hard to like it (and occasionally succeed) and it seems to take great delight in making me question my life choices. This trend continues with the Bill Evans Trio. To my ears, there's a 50/50 shot on whether the tracks on this album actually have any form of rails to guide them from start to finish. And while that's not always a bad thing, as I find with most jazz, it hurts the chances of me wanting to hear it again. I can recognize the technical skill however, and they deserve all the praise in the world for how easily they play off of each other.

Jazz works well as background music, but it really shines when you pay close attention to everything it’s doing. Close your eyes and listen to every note. How the instruments are playing with and against each other. It feels so simple yet there’s a lot going on and it feels so wonderfully complex

Pleasant. Still don’t get jazz.

It's lovely. It has two problems for me. The first it that it's almost too smooth, too clean. When I'm in the mood for jazz I want to be at least somewhat concerned that the wheels are coming off and the beast is gonna crash. The second problem is that I have to be in the mood for jazz and today is definitely NOT one of those moods. This album really is lovely though, so maybe I'll try it again some slow Sunday morning watching the rain with a cup of coffee.

A classic. I’ve listened to it before and it’s really three musicians firing on all cylinders.

Jazz, great for background, tiresome for active listening.

sounds like good jazz.

Stupendous jazz

I don’t know that I have the experience or knack to really put the sounds apart in any deep way, or even really been too distinctive between songs, but, and you will have to pardon the lack of depth here, it is just really smooth and cool jazz. If nothing else, it’s a treat to spend 40 minutes with, because it’s just deceptively easy to listen to while being rewarding when a solo turns your ear (I would keep getting pulled in by the bass myself). In that sense, it’s a perfect live album because you’re like “wow, I’m in the coffee shop hearing this on a casual Sunday afternoon too”.

Fine to work to?

apenas barulho

Perfectly enjoyable, but far from anything mindblowing. This was just a really nice jazz album to have on in the background, but to be honest I don't really see myself ever really listening to it in any other way. I just don't think it has quite enough substance to be something I would actually enjoy listening to for the sake of it. It's nice and chill, and I do love more piano focused jazz, but this just doesn't really have as much going for it as other jazz albums. I don't want to call it "plain," because on the whole I did still like it, but there are just other albums that do what this one does but better.

Heard before?:❌️ Will listen again?:❌️ Nice enough but forgettable 2.5

es realmente la experiencia en vivo, podes escuchar a la gente tosiendo! y después bueno me gusta el jazz en general

Really not my bag. Ask me to identify a point of difference between any of the pieces and honestly I couldn't. It's the kind of music you hear playing in the background of a classy bar scene in a TV show or movie, but not the sort of music you'll ever hear in my house by choice.

Ah, here we are with jazz again. Basically the same thoughts I have with every album of that genre- I’m sure this is good if you understand jazz, but I don’t. This would be perfectly pleasant to hear in a hotel lobby somewhere, but I couldn’t tell you why this is especially notable.

This is an incredibly well-regarded album in the jazz world, but I’m not enough of an aficionado to give it the full 5 stars. That said, it was highly listenable and I greatly enjoyed it. You can tell right from the start that the musicians are an incredibly tight and in sync group, especially in the more improvisational sections. Bill Evans’ piano playing is fantastic, of course, and Paul Motian’s drumming is wonderfully tasteful and restrained, but if anything the double bass (played by Scott LaFaro who died only eleven days after the album was recorded) is probably the standout.

I think the Jazz albums have been spaced out enough that they dont earn my ire unlike the British Punk Rock album infecting this list. Its a softer jazz that doesnt overwhelm you and gives you space to think. I really really wish they had some horns in there though, it really fills out the genre. My other issue is that with this kind of Jazz its hard to point to specific parts of songs or performances, so you need to take it in as a whole, and maybe thats the point? I dunno. Talented, no doubt, but if you're not a jazzhead its probably a pass.

More jazz

Can’t believe one died 10 days after this❤️‍🩹

Im afraid Barry B Benson's line would work on me

Lovely jazz piano. Would own the record.

Very nice.

easy jazz listen some parts were kinda boring 7.5/10 best song - gloria's step

I get it but I was bored out of my mind and the album itself needs to be remastered.

Cool jazz album, but it feels more like background music than the main event.

It was a nice listen but honestly not a memorable one.

Background hotel jazz

a serviceable cool jazz live album, but i would have lost nothing if i hadn't listened to this before i died.

Well this surprised me. Thought I would hate it but had it on while gardening and it was the perfect soundtrack. Unlikely to listen again though. 1.5

i really liked this (i really like any jazz). i guess my only thing with this as an album is that it's a little annoying to hear multiple takes of the same song all right in a row. i did really like the alice and wonderland arrangements though.

I really wanna go back and revisit this, it scratches in the itch, but I forget that I have every once in a while, not a genre I go into, but I absolutely love it.

It’s background jazz. It gets 3 stars because the musicianship is very good, but…it’s background jazz. And my version (Apple Music) had multiple takes of the same song, so I skipped those.

When I'm driving in my truck or working in the garage or cleaning the house, I don't think, "Boy, I could use some Bill Evans Trio with this task." That's because Bill Evans Trio did not make task-oriented music. It made sitting around, drinking dranks, eating food, grooving along music. And this album totally, totally captures that aesthetic. My dad used to play this on vinyl on Sunday mornings while we were eating breakfast, and I'll never not crave breakfast when hear it. So yeah, I don't listen to this every day, but when I do, I give it a 5.

I like the overall vibe of a jazz trio featuring piano, bass and drums. I could use a little more theme to ground me on this recording. I also thought the drums are a little low in the mix, especially on the opening track. On this album there are a lot of piano noodling and bass soloing, so I would like the drums a little more prominent because they are sometimes the only thing keeping the continuity going.

Seemed a little aimless at times, but on the whole very pleasant.

I really don't like jazz.

Enjoyed it although it is not my preferred style of music. But somehow jazz only works for me in a live performance and not on an album. 2,5

Nice jazz

Ik wens mensen die continu door een show heen praten het slechtste toe, maar hierbij snap ik het wel. Erg stijve, veilige en daarmee saaie jazz.

Perfecte zondagplaat, waarmee ik wil zeggen: jazz die gemakkelijk naar binnen glijdt voor op de achtergrond. Goed baswerk.

Reliable sources inform me that this is Good Jazz, but when it gets down to the brass tacks of "are these sounds that I would choose to hear of my own volition", the answer is generally "no". I think I have, despite medium-sized efforts, a simple-minded need for bangers; I don't have a ton of patience for music where bangers are not apparent. I have jazz homework to do, but also, like, under what circumstances would I ever truly want to listen to this? When I'm pretending to be in a posh café? The Spotify tracklist for this album is completely trashed, which didn't help, though I re-listened in the proper order to make sure I still didn't like it much. My main takeaway from all this is that Bill Evans looked insanely handsome and cool. What a debonair dude! Wish I liked jazz...

Very standard, classic and ‘safe’ jazz to listen to but a bit samey so got bored after a while. Perhaps more inventive modern jazz has something going for it after all. One track of this would have been enough. In fact, once I read that the first 6 tracks were all that was on the original album I stopped listening.

I feel this is one of those albums that should be enjoyed on a lazy sunday morning and not whilst working through dull work reports in a dark dingy office. Alas the 1001 gods have spoken and unfortunately it all just became a bit of background noise for me. There was not enough to keep me engaged in the record, however, I can appreciate the mad piano skills.

Pleasant enough trad(ish) jazz pieces, played by an incredibly tight band. The quality of the recording is superb, too, really feels like your seeing them play through a cloud of hazy smoke and dim light. My main problem is that I find it hard to find a double bass solo interesting, and there are obvs a lot of double bass solos when that's one third of your trio.

Smooth jazz.

Vabandust, aga see on kohutavalt igav. Ilmselgelt on see trio kõik osavad pillimehed, aga selline tunne jääb, nagu neil pole ühekski looks mingisugust plaani, vaid nad lihtsalt improviseerivad kõike. Iga pill mängib oma joru ja lõpptulemus on lihtsalt ebakoherentne taustamuusika ilma ühegi selge mõtteta. Omal ajal võibolla revolutsiooniline, aga sellest plaadist saan aru, et mulle free-form jazz üldse ei istu. 2.3/5

Нормас але тіко під півас. Тихенько й простенько. Звичайний поц. Хароший. З району. Походу з хбк

Great Jazz album. I need to listen to more Bill Evans what a fucking genius. The bass player on this recording is going fucking bonkers!! Like the whole time just popping the fuck off

Classic jazz; haunting.

Fine background music. Would never think about coming back to it.

Hienoa 👌🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️

Three musicians at the top of their game giving a balanced, masterful performance that manages to sound consummately relaxed. LaFaro and Motian provide distinctive but restrained support for Evans' shimmering, tasteful piano work. I'm honestly never not in the mood to listen to this one.

Not familiar with this. Not a big jazz fan. Piano dominating instrument. Very nice. Instrumental album. Stand up bass plus snare drum. A good jazz album. Four stars.

It's fine for jazz. (I'm sorry that I'm a jazz Philistine, but that's just how it is.)

So, so, so, so, so damn beautiful. Bill Evans is probably my favorite jazz pianist. Certainly one of the best. But clearly I've been living under a rock because how on earth Scott LaFaro has escaped my knowledge is just unacceptable. Mother of God this dude lays down potentially the best bass playing I've...ever heard? And then he goes and dies 11 days later. Fuck. This is so special. Essential listening, for sure.

If you like jazz, this is probably great.

Genius, 5/5, greatest jazz pianist of all time.

The first few songs had this weird knocking sound and scared the shit out of me while I was driving

Not for me

The musicians having more fun that the audience. Even the applause seems a bit muted. Never liked Jazz, and this confirms why. I actually suspect this is a solid album of the genre, and no doubt tonnes out there are worse than this one. But honestly, not my thing. Nice!

Solid dinner party jazz.

Man oh man. The accuity, voicing and proficency of Bill Evans piano work is so enticing. It is rich, vibrant, strong, and with all so much groove and feeling. I'll admit, I intimately know of other Trios and I know the least of Bill's but this is absolutely aces. Appears to have been taken from 3 live shows in the West Village. On that point, what kind of drugs were jazz producers on back then to record a live show this FUCKING GOOD. I heard a matchbook strike, glasses clink, a cough and a laugh all within this album. Clear as day like, holy moly the mix is legendary.

# Sunday at the Village Vanguard: A Deep Dive into Bill Evans' Masterpiece ## The Core Philosophy: A Revolutionary Trio Concept *Sunday at the Village Vanguard* represents one of jazz's most pivotal moments—a recording that fundamentally redefined what a piano trio could be. Recorded live on June 25, 1961, at New York's legendary Village Vanguard, this album captures the Bill Evans Trio at its creative peak, featuring Evans on piano, Scott LaFaro on bass, and Paul Motian on drums. What makes this recording revolutionary is its democratic approach. Before this, piano trios typically functioned as a pianist with rhythm section accompaniment—the piano soloist out front, bass and drums providing support. Evans deliberately constructed this trio to create something entirely different: a **complete interactive ensemble** where all three voices engage in equal musical conversation. As critic Thom Jurek describes it, the music creates "a form of seamless dialogic improvisation" where musicians "slip over and under another" in "an aural basket weave". ## Analysis by Element ### Music: Telepathic Interplay and Redefined Roles The music on *Sunday at the Village Vanguard* is characterized by extraordinary group chemistry and a radical rethinking of each instrument's role. **Scott LaFaro's Bass Revolution**: This album is often considered a homage to LaFaro's genius, as he tragically died in a car accident just ten days after this session at age 25. LaFaro's playing here is nothing short of transformative. Rather than simply keeping time, he ventures into the upper register with virtuosic speed, employs double-stops and strummed chords, and engages in contrapuntal dialogue with Evans that was unprecedented for jazz bass. His compositions "Gloria's Step" (which opens the album) and "Jade Visions" (which closes it) showcase his remarkable melodic imagination. **Evans' Lyrical Pianism**: Evans brings his signature impressionistic touch—classically influenced harmonies with Ravelian colors, delicate phrasing, and extraordinary emotional depth. His playing balances introspection with sparkling invention, never overwhelming his partners but always contributing essential texture. **Paul Motian's Subtle Architecture**: Often the most understated presence, Motian's brushwork on ride cymbals creates atmosphere and texture. His half-time accents frame the counterpoint between Evans and LaFaro, with his "hushed dynamics" providing essential support. **Standout Tracks**: - **"Gloria's Step"** : Opens with LaFaro's hesitant, spacious bass introduction before the trio engages in intricate contrapuntal conversation. A masterclass in collective improvisation. - **"My Man's Gone Now"** : A haunting, graceful modal reading from *Porgy and Bess* that emerges from a dark minor mode into transcendent beauty. Evans and LaFaro engage in profound dialogue. - **"Solar"** : The Miles Davis composition showcases angularity and counterpoint with knotty post-bop aesthetics. Motian is more assertive here, using half-time accents to frame the piano-bass interplay. - **"Alice in Wonderland"** : Evans' impressionistic touch shines, creating a lush musical garden with his expressive phrasing and technical mastery. - **"Jade Visions"** : The closing track in a slow 9/8 ballad tempo, with LaFaro's bass initiating the piece. Given LaFaro's death days later, this has taken on an elegiac, prophetic quality. ### Themes: Innovation, Dialogue, and Tragic Elegy The album carries profound thematic weight on multiple levels: **Musical Democracy**: The most significant theme is the trio's revolutionary approach—the creation of a truly equal musical partnership. As the liner notes emphasize, this was "an unheard of notion" at the time. The album demonstrates that three musicians can simultaneously solo, comp, and support in fluid, ever-shifting roles. **Elegy and Loss**: The album is forever shadowed by LaFaro's death. Evans and producer Orrin Keepnews assembled these recordings months afterward specifically as a memorial, selecting takes featuring LaFaro most prominently. "Jade Visions" feels particularly poignant—LaFaro essentially writing his own eulogy without knowing it. **Living History**: The recording captures the intimate atmosphere of the Village Vanguard—the clinking glasses, hushed conversations, and applause are not distractions but essential elements that transport listeners to that Sunday afternoon and evening in 1961. It's live jazz preserved in amber. ### Production: Sonic Authenticity Produced by Orrin Keepnews and engineered by Dave Jones, the recording captures the trio with remarkable clarity and immediacy. The sound quality is exceptional, with detailed, percussive bass and drums and warm piano tone. **Technical Notes**: - The original stereo mix places drums and bass in the left channel, piano in the right - Reissues vary in quality—the Craft Recordings reissue from original tapes offers excellent fidelity, though some audiophiles prefer the Mobile Fidelity one-step pressing - The UHQR vinyl reissue from Analogue Productions on 200-gram Clarity Vinyl at 45 RPM is considered a definitive audiophile version ### Influence: A Blueprint for Trio Playing This album's influence on jazz is immeasurable: - It **fundamentally changed** how jazz trios operate. The egalitarian approach became a template for subsequent generations - LaFaro's bass innovations directly influenced countless bassists, including Jaco Pastorius - Evans' harmonic language and approach to standards set a new standard for jazz pianists - The recording is consistently listed among the greatest live jazz albums of all time and appears on numerous "desert island discs" lists ## Pros and Cons ### Pros ✅ **Revolutionary Musical Concept**: The democratic trio approach was genuinely groundbreaking and remains influential ✅ **Extraordinary Chemistry**: The telepathic interplay between Evans, LaFaro, and Motian is arguably the finest ever captured in a jazz trio setting ✅ **LaFaro's Landmark Performance**: One of the greatest bass performances ever recorded, showcasing his revolutionary technique and melodic imagination ✅ **Emotional Depth**: The music carries profound beauty, from sparkling improvisations to haunting ballads ✅ **Historical Significance**: Captures a pivotal moment in jazz history and serves as a memorial to a tragically short-lived genius ✅ **Excellent Sound Quality**: The live recording captures intimate club atmosphere with remarkable fidelity ✅ **Timeless Appeal**: Both accessible to newcomers and endlessly rewarding for seasoned listeners ### Cons ❌ **Background Noise**: The live setting means some audience chatter and glass clinking are audible—for some listeners, this enhances the atmosphere; for others, it's a minor distraction ❌ **Slightly Uneven Focus**: Some listeners find the bass mixed too prominently (though this was a deliberate choice to honor LaFaro) ❌ **Companion Album Confusion**: The album is best understood alongside its companion *Waltz for Debby*, meaning you really need both for the complete picture ❌ **Not Evans at His Most Showy**: Those seeking virtuosic displays might prefer other Evans recordings; this album emphasizes interaction and subtlety over flash ❌ **Modern Listening Quirk**: The original album runs relatively short by modern standards (about 40 minutes), though CD reissues add alternate takes ## Final Verdict *Sunday at the Village Vanguard* is not merely a great jazz album—it's a document of an artistic ideal realized at its highest level. The three musicians achieve something approaching telepathy, creating music that sounds as fresh and revolutionary today as it did in 1961. The album's tragic backstory only deepens its resonance. These performances represent the final testament of Scott LaFaro, a bassist who expanded the possibilities of his instrument and died just as he reached his creative zenith. As the companion to *Waltz for Debby*, the two albums together form one of the most essential documents in jazz history. For anyone interested in jazz, improvisation, or the possibilities of musical interaction, this album is essential listening—a landmark recording that continues to reveal new depths with each hearing.

One of the great be-bop and cool jazz pianists.

As usual, I'm not smart enough to take it all in. Pleasant piano tinkling from The Man Himself. After reading about it, the bass is supposed to be a really great freeform musical counterpoint? I'm too dumb to get it. Pleasant piano tinkling.

buen jazz instrumental pa tener de fondo

Nice enough. Seems like Bill Evans is something close to a genius. But there's a difference, maybe -- maybe not -- between an extraordinary genius and a genius. What the hell do I know. On a side note: this guy loved his brother to death -- quite literally.

[2/5] jazz. enjoy the clapping at the end of the songs. unsure about the multiple versions but sometimes the vibe changes up a bit.

What a wonderful display of the great symbiosis of a true jazz trio I can see why people despaired at the death of Scott LaFaro, that was truly out of this world double bass - he should be much more renowned than this

There's more jazzzzzzz here than I'm equipped to analyse, but some really thrilling stuff too.

I thought this was great!

Dude, such a chill album, classic jazz, and it was perfect reading music. Would listen to it again, but I couldn't tell you what made it special. It just didn't sound like any other time I have heard jazz. I will have to do more research on this.

I’ll have to listen again

More jazz?!?

Livealbum

First song reminded me of Mr. Rogers tv show music, which is great. The recording quality is crisp and intimate. I don’t know much about jazz but I do like this album.

Can never give Bill Evans anything but a five. Feel good every time I listen - gorgeous playing. gorgeous mix. beautiful album.

Chill. Sounds like elegant hotel bar music.

I'm really not qualified to rate this lol. Aaron says elevator music. I think it's good.... I think. Peaceful. Nice in the background. Had to skip the end.

Återigen... Min ambivalens inför den här sortens jazz. Förnuftet säger att detta borde du gilla. Musikerna är fantastiska och musiken tekniskt briljant och det är kanske det... Hjärtat hänger inte alls med. Det är för tekniskt, för clean på något sätt. Något som rika människor lyssnar på med ett glas whisky i deras mansions. Jag vill att det ska vara skrapigare och tyngre. Men det är det inte och jag blir besviken igen. Tekniskt - 5, mitt hjärta - 3. Ungefär så.

Muy lindo jazz eh. Me cuesta entrarle al género pero este álbum me gustó. Te va llevando. Lindo. 7/10

I’m not gonna pretend to know or understand all the complexities of jazz music. It don’t think you need to. I just really enjoyed this as the soundtrack to a lazy afternoon in the garden.

Designed by Ken Deardoff, with front cover photography by Donald Silverstein, who also shot the famous Jimi Hendrix photo we all love. Its quite difficult to find out much more but he was obviously a good snapper, theres a group shot in the NPG too with Terrance Donavan and David Bailey. Theres no wiki page on him. Music is what you expect when you walk into a smart hotel bar in NY. Lots of people love this and its ok, comfortable and dull.

Geriatric sorta but nice BassNPiano Jazz from another era

i don’t really fw jazz like that but this was fine

Fine, bit boring every song felt similar Background music

Is it possible to enjoy something and hate it at the same time? Odd.

Yes, something pleasant and new to me. Adding to the digital library at some point for some nice background dinner party music.

3.0

Nice jazz! My favourite was Alice In Wonderland!

Spk

it was a cold winter night as i walked home from the day at work listening to this. the warm bass, the skillfully spaced drums and my god the piano, all magnificent. the emotions coming out from the gentle chatter behind it made me so immersed in it, it felt like love. i wish i could resonate with the individual pieces more however, whilst all the tracks were majestic, in retrospect they are really samey.

You know, this was absolutely perfect for the lovely drive across the countryside that I had the pleasure of listening to it on. Sure, I have a bias towards jazz, but this was such an easy listen and a soft album that is the perfect background music.

The kind of jazz you hear at a department store during the holidays

i love bill evans. always perfect. forever remind me of cold spring and winter mornings, home with little babies

Nice little album, though songs melt into each other, amazing that this album is in the top 1001? There’s going to be so many missing….

This was actually chill. I didn't think I'd like it but I did

The kind of music that makes you stop, listen, and think.

cute aber mer muss lust druf ha. zum chli schäfferle easy gsi, aber wirds keis zweits mal me lose

I like Bill Evans, but I don't love Bill Evans. I probably just don't know jazz well enough to differentiate music like this, so a lot of it winds up sounding the same.

Deserves more than I'm giving it. I haven't learnt to appreciate Jazz just yet. I was thoroughly engaged in the last jazz album, "A Love Supreme" by John Coltrane, which came out at a similar time. Retrospectively I wish I had rated higher. This album was lovely on in the background but unfortunately the nuances of the skill that went into this was lost on me as a modern listener. Feel that i'd be a lot more into this if it was live

tråkjazz

Jazz! I like it!

Not for me

easy listening

Perfecto para estudiar

Bill woke up and said, "You know what the world needs? Another quiet jazz album." The piano's a dream, but after a while it all starts to blend together like one long, mellow haze. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - Gloria's Step (Take 2) - Solar - Alice in Wonderland (Take 2)

This is just some really good jazz. It isn't particularly innovative, but when the musicianship on display is this good, it doesn't need to be. I know this trio is named for Bill Evans who is the composer, but the bassist and drummer are also delivering in spades here. Perfect for long bus rides or a nightcap after a busy day. Also, this is one of the crispest live albums I have ever heard, huge props to whoever handled recording and engineering on this one because if it wasn't for the applause and odd toasting of wine glasses, I wouldn't have known that this was a live recording.

In my favorite album discovery

Pretty good, I like jazz albums but mostly more energetic jazz and this more chill

4/10

This sounds great so far. I can’t believe this is a live recording. Overall very nice, interesting that multiple takes of the same songs are on here though.

Це, мабуть, джаз. Можна слухати. Класичний, гарний, рівний джаз.

Not really into jazz where the bass is playing a different song than the other band members.

I'm not sure how much of a jazzman I am but I liked this apart from some of the meandering bass solos

Have never listened to much stuff that Bill Evans has fronted, but after this I'm keen to hear more. A really lovely jazz album, that's kind of deceptive in how easy listening it sounds. There's a striking amount of complexity here in the piano playing and the bass particularly that makes this worth a closer listen.

meh

What I find most intriguing about this album is the background chatter. That's not a knock on the music. It just seems odd that you hear all this yip yap in the background with a phat bass playing throughout. That bass is spectacular & they let him play around. I thank them for that. Wikipedia states that the bass player, Scott LaFaro died in an auto accident months after this release. I am aware of the sorted history of jazz, this is a more tragic one. Learning about the history of music is part of the fun of listening to all of these albums. Is knowing who LaFaro is going to make me a better person? No. Good Jazz 4

3/10 Very talented but not the music I listen to

There’s not enough great things to be said about this album. Stellar. Fresh. Exudes the essence of improve. The environment, down to the clinking glasses and silverware, sets the mood. One of the best jazz albums ever.

Top notch jazz. Easy listening. 3.75 rounded down to 3.

Just a great way to start your morning off Pretty hard to hate on this too much, just comfortable, well executed jazz that does a great job of giving you that mid century jazz club atmosphere; I think the live label really does enhance the music. Instrumentation is pretty great, clearly a lot of talent there. This definitely doesn’t stand out as much as some of the other jazz albums we have recently; no standout single, not nearly as much variety (I know they sound a bit different but not a huge fan of 4 of the songs on here being repeats), and nothing that really surprised me Don’t get me wrong, still a very nice album to listen to. I put this on in the background and an hour just completely evaporated. I feel like this would be great to wake up to. Think there’s a couple other jazz albums I’d put on before this, but I will 100% listen to this again

kids love jazz

I have heard of Bill Evans. I have heard of the Village Vanguard. But I never heard this album until now. Solid classic jazz recorded over 5 shows on a single day in 1961. Excellent small group arrangements, with feel and excellent interplay. Will definitely do a deeper dive.

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.

I really struggle to get into this the way I’ve gotten into other jazz in this list. Might be the lack of sax?

Nice for a jazz club but not for at home listening

This is a good jazz album. They follow Bill Evan’s’ lead on each of these songs and each of the individuals get their moments to shine. The highlight is the bass player. He is really good and plays well with Bill Evan’s. It’s just an amazing album. I’m glad it’s on the list.

Jazz! Very nice easy listening, I do prefer Jazz with a bit of punch, slightly messier than this maybe but this was a gorgeous album

A bit too freeform for my liking. I also found the crowd noise distracting.

Velmi dober. Ivan knew it

A lovely jazz album, great for casual listening. Calming, soothing - a bit like raindrops on your window.

Do the musicians hear each other or are they isolated in different rooms? With these records I never found out.

Proper jazz, pretty dope

Absolutely impressive with the chops from these fine gents, and the panned bass is nice to really hear it. But once again, I am no jazz cat and I have trouble to get this genre

I like a bit of the “ol razzle jazzle” as they say even if I don’t think I’m qualified to speak on what makes this particularly more “jazzable” than any other “jazzmatazz” out there

Cozy little jazz album. Very nice.

No

Talented. Should not be on 1001.

Kinda enjoyed this but i dont think its top 1000 worthy. I feel like i should be breaking fancy french bread. might lift to it tomorrow

I don't listen to jazz much, but whenever I do it seems like something I would really enjoy. This album is no exception. I just felt taken away while listening to this.

Not a typical genre for me but enjoyed it (hypnotic).

Jazzy kind of musak. Nice morning background music that doesn’t require much focus. Two stars bc I’m not likely to play it again

virtuoso playing, very sad backstory regarding the bassist, you can hear how talented he is - RIP

8/10. Discazo. Es lo mejor que se puede encontrar musicalmente hablando, jazz directo, sin vueltas, solos de contrabajo increíbles, buenas armonizaciones. Igualmente, como casi todo el jazz, le falta alma. Le falta algo que me haga sentir conectado, vivo, esencia. Pero se merece la alta puntuación.

Soooo chill I’m going to save this album

special songs

Not my cup of tea.

This was cool, but I could have done with some speed metal or punk rock today...SOOOO slow!! 4

Love me some jazz. I want to give this a more focused listen next time but it was perfect for background music.

Good jazz

Not for me unfortunately x

Incredible, incredible live recording of the Bill Evan’s Trio (who I had never been introduced to). The album is a compilation of different takes of four different compositions from a series of performances on a Sunday at the Village Vanguard (the titular moment!).

Pretty good album to put on while I'm at work, but not one that really captures my attention. I liked the bass playing a lot though, actually, really tragic to learn that he died just a few days later.

Meg

A little too low-key for a whimsical and high energy fella like me

ya like jazz? I LOVE jazz! This is my favorite album so far and it's not even close. Those cats were COOKING!!!! I can't even explain it but this hit so differently for me. It's so playful and fun and beautiful and exciting and somehow calming all at the same time. None of the instruments felt like they were competing, they all just worked together so perfectly. 10/10 for me. I need to get this record to listen to at home and I need to familiarize myself with more jazz and music history.

WOAH IT'S NOT A ROCK ALBUM GUYS (I jest I do like rock albums, we've just had a back to back string of them). Like all calm sounding Jazz, it reminds me of the Charlie Brown Albums. My one wish is that it was raining outside when I was listening to this album. Oh and now for my obligatory movie quote that I must add " Ya Like Jazz?"

one of the goats

beautiful jazz

Dit is een heeeeeeerlijk jazz album dat je gewoon aan kan zetten. Zo'n diner plaat weet je wel? Of een "We doen nog 1 drankje" plaat. Whiskietje, pilsje ofzoiets erbij. Het liefste draai je deze op vinyl, want dat gekraak maakt dit album net iets beter. Alleen weet je wat deze avonden wel gemeen hebben? Je doet ondertussen iets anders dan muziek luisteren. Je bent niet alleen maar met de muziek bezig, maar het is ontzettend lekker op de achtergrond. Dat is meteen een beetje mijn issue met deze plaat. Het is stiekem de ideale achtergrond muziek omdat het niet al te veel de aandacht opeist. Dusja, heerlijk album, wel een beeeetje liftmuziek of 1950s whiskyjazzbar. FAVO: Alice in Wonderland, All of you, Jade Visions

Fuck no. Gets a couple of stars for releasing 40+ albums.

It makes me feel like an uncultured swine to say it, but I feel beyond stressed listening to this style of jazz. I don't know where the beat is, or was, or is going - is there a beat? help. It's not for me, but higher marks because even I can tell these musicians are genius in their craft.

It’s meh. I’ll give it that. I imagine it’s what dying in a warm bath feels like.

This is a very intimate live album, which fits the sound well. Simple and elegant, with the bass being the star a lot here. One of my favorite jazz albums.

Ha! I am not by any standard/measure a dedicated fan of jazz-centric music. (I say this as I am presently listening to Ella and Louis, which btw is quite great. If you've not listened to it, I recommend giving it a go, even those like myself who have no great knowledge nor prior interest in jazz-tinged discs....) But, this album (Sunday At The Village Vanguard) is awesome. There is no doubt in my mind: 5 "bopping and high-flying" stars. A classic for any genre without doubt.

I don’t know anything about jazz but I enjoyed (3.5)

Clearly I must be some kind of uncultured swine but this sounded like the most generic-ass Jazz I'd ever heard.

Didn’t really listen

2.5 but i’ll round up to 3

So many jazz albums. They all kind of sound the same and are fine in the background, but I will not be listening to this again.

it's jazz !! kinda sounds like the Chick Coreo trio always luv an album like this

This was loungey, piano-based jazz music. It was relaxing to listen to and neutral as background noise. The style was also familiar, so felt more comforting in a way.

I can dig it.

Jazz, innit. Twinkling, tootling, hi hatting, plinking and pootling. Pish.

It was fine. This is the kind of jazz I actually like a decent amount, however even then I felt the album was a bit overlong. Not any structure to the tracks; it was ultimately just freestyle solos over shifting chord structures. Not something I’d love to listen to again but not terrible. The audible talking in the background was the worst part.

Good live jazz album that's special for a sad reason. The bass player, 25 year old phenom Scott LaFaro, died in a car accident only 11 days after the recording. The bass was the best part of the recording and sorry to learn of another young bassist like Cliff Burton passing by car accident. It's a 5 star album just not my favorite music.

Just because someone listed as one of the best live jazz recordings of all time, does not make it so. That said, this one is definitely one for a certain time and place. Like a dimly lit bar/restaurant with cocktail in hand, perhaps cigar in the other if you so choose. This recording is three musicians in the pocket in the most quiet and subdued manner. Its not great driving music, but it is a good listen. I'll probably listen again when I have a window of work time when i need to concentrate. Biggest Hit - Alice In Wonderland Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - All Of You Hidden Gem - Solar

Very pretty jazz album, the performance is great and definitely kept my interest. The live atmosphere really helps with this record and it sounds great

Relaxing and festive