Sunday At The Village Vanguard

A very jazzy album with technically impressive long solos. The instrumentation is complex and the musicians are very talented which leads to an exciting composition with a variety of styles and moods. The fact that it is played live and you can hear elements from the venue coming through definitely add to the aesthetic of the album and gives it a more organic intimate feel. The overall structure is a little too free form and meandering for my taste in jazz. Otherwise it's an excellent album that I could see myself listening to often while doing projects around the house, driving long distances, or while working.

I really enjoyed this album. It is one of the better Bill Evans albums I’ve listened to and none of them have been bad.

Nice, classic jazz; what's not to love? 7/10

I was surprised that I listened to it all the way to the end without making a fuss.

Really just a terrific album. They sound so tight and unique. This was probably pretty wild when it came out. It's both stripped down and full. The drums almost disappear or melt into the piano and bass. I don't see what's not to like.

Solid jazz album. Will be listening again.

Good jazz

Enjoyable

Just some great bar jazz. Type of stuff I'd love to hear while sitting in a basement speakeasy, eating a salmon dinner, and drinking a whiskey cocktail. Love some of the teasing riffs they got going on here. Some passages that are almost catchy and would be if they repeated or had a few more notes put on, but aren't. Also love when the bass leads or the drums do the shuffling (like on the first track). The album is on the long side, but the quality is consistent throughout. Really enjoyed this, just chill listening.

Jazzy af

The very definition of cocktail jazz! Need to find a not live version

Not a jazz fan, but I liked it.

jazz 🥰🥰🥰

I have never listened to Bill Evans or Cole Porter. They are just names to me. This is easily listening jazz music, articulate and restrained. Me likey!

Great and intimate

Very skillful jazz, their musical communication and ability to branch out into their own improvisation while not losing the other members is incredible.

very nice.

Pretty damn chilled jazzzzy jazz

This is a great album. Admittedly I know very little about jazz, but really like this one. I will definitely be revisiting this one, and not just because my daughter is a jazz head.

Love it - an excellent laid back jazz album full of little surprises. Well worth additional listens. Evans played with Miles so you know he can play.

Wonderful piece of laid back modal jazz, the trio work in complete balance, everyone shining. Gloria's Step puts La Faro's bass melodies out front with a number of great solos. Solar has great interplay between Evans and La Faro with each seemingly egging each other to go higher before tumbling back down. Faro's technical ability is on show in Alice in Wonderland's solo before Evans matches it with an elegant legato. It would be easy to dismiss this album as background music, but La Faro's playing is so innovative that it demands recognition.

Very nice vibes I could see myself playing this on a lazy Sunday afternoon

Stellar 3 piece jazz.

Soothing.

82% Best: Gloria’s Steps; Solar; All Of You Must-Hear? Sure

I enjoyed this album, but apparently less than the person on here that said they uses it to have sex to lol. But I enjoyed it! Solid, moving jazz.

E pensare che live

This needs to be combined with life and listened to on vinyl.

Village Vanguard i love you but youre bringing me down

I'm developing a theory: there is not as much jazz on the list compared to other genres. Therefore, what there is, is genuinely the best. Either that, or I need to listen to more jazz because this is excellent.

This is very nice. Not my favorite. Too many bass solos. But the parts that are good are very good.

I don’t make a point to listen to Jazz…but when I hear it in the wild I always seem to enjoy it. And this was an enjoyable listen, sending me off in different directions. Well done!

Gloria's Step 4 My Man's Gone Now 3.7 Solar 3.8 Alice in Wonderland 3.8 All of You (take 2) 3.6 Jade Visions (take 2) 3.3 Score: 3.7

3.5

Though this may not be my preferred jazz, it definitely falls in my chill Jazz category. Honestly some exceptional playing on this album. (8.5/10) ★★★★

A bit too mellow and laidback, but still a really nice album. 4 stats

I felt like was getting serenaded, for real this put me in a trance.

Good ol bill Evans, lovely stuff

Very nice, it’s long, comforting. I like jazz like this, classic, good.

Очень атмосферная музыка. Звучит очень дорого

Love jazz loved this album!

really fun album, especially with nice headphones. Just some good ol' jazz. I was consistently a fan of songs where the piano takes the lead rather than the bass, but all the songs were consistent bangers.

Great stuff!

OK, so heres the thing. This is a great JAZZ album. If you dont like jazz, you arent going to like this album. Like, at all. I mean, sure, put it on the list. It definitely deserves it more than Pantera. Its a very very good album, and a great jazz album. 4/5

Exactly the kind of jazz I like to listen to. I want to find sheet music for this so I can play it on the piano :)

Smooth jazz 4 my earz :))))

Not a huge fan of jazz so Im sure I didnt appreciate this as much as others. It was still enjoyable for a one time listen.

Was fine.

Really solid jazz album. I liked the vibe with the audience that made the album feel like a real live performance.

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed this and it created a very relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

I don’t listen to a lot of jazz but must have listened to this album two or three times. Loved how each instrument came alive. Great music for moving.

Bill Evans is a legend - and an extremely troubled soul - but I feel his later work is a bit more expressive.

Just lovely

aoooo potência perfeito pra dar uma relaxada e acender um cigarro porque o banco de dados caiu e não tem nada que você possa fazer pra resolver

Muy bueno

Smooth and relaxing. Nothing at all offensive.

couldn’t be easier to listen to

Tight sound from the group and really strong playing from all 3 of them. Good tunes too!

I've often heard of this record but never listened. Very good

its raining and this is perfect for today

The perfect anti anxiety music beautiful

This is one of my go-to albums to play when I want some relaxing, soothing jazz. I learned about Bill Evans from him playing with Miles Davis and he’s fantastic here too. I bet I’ll come to appreciate him even more if I learn more about jazz or piano-playing. He sounds so at ease and relaxed but he’s very expressive and I’m sure his playing is technically impressive too. I like that the bass is mixed loud enough that you can hear it easily. Often at a live show the upright bass can get lost a bit if it’s not mic’d properly but the bass solos really shine here. I love that the recording includes some background conversational chatter. And once or twice you can even hear plates clinking. It makes you feel like you’re right there at the club for the live show. And maybe this is weird to say but I think it’s cool that someone dropped a fork in the back of the club and now it’s preserved on a classic album for all time. 😂

Beautiful, intriguing, and timeless. The music of Bill Evans for me will always be synonymous with cold days in the fall at my undergraduate school of William Paterson University, in the music department, with students and professors trying to make the sounds he was making. It was great to listen to then and great to listen to now, and will forever be great to listen to. Banger of an album cover too; he's always had great ones.

Really enjoyed. And opened my eyes to some new music

It’s Christmas Eve, I’m prepping veg for tomorrow. This is the perfect soundtrack. Proper plinky plonky jazz that has been timed perfectly.

3 great players in constant communication with each other. jazz trios are so fun because there’s just so much space and it opens up so many possibilities. and the quiet clinking and talking underneath?? love that

Great music to chill or work to

Toujours cool un bon album de jazz avec des bons musiciens. Maintenant est-ce que je devais l'écouter absolument avant de mourir ? Peut-être bien

Very cool. Perfect when I feel like playing the sims but can’t

Een kwalitatief goede liveopname van een prima jazztrio. Af en toe hoor je een koffiekopje rinkelen en aan het einde van een nummer volgt een beschaafd oud-geld applausje, alsof Ronnie O'Sullivan zojuist na de rode bal ook een niet al te moeilijk zwart balletje in de pocket heeft weten te werken. Dit soort jazz kan ik goed hebben. Als de Rozenboom van Goede Tijden Slechte Tijden een echt hotel was zou je dit verwachten in het bijbehorende restaurant. Er wordt knap muziek gemaakt, er zit nog iets van een herkenbare structuur in, de percussie is hypnotiserend maar houdt de boel wel op de rails en de piano en bas lopen lekker door elkaar heen te kloten. En niemand die ze verder tegenhoudt. Ik vind hier weinig mis mee. Ik zet dit niet elke week aan, maar voor een keer is dit best leuk. De één uur en acht minuten voelt aan als minimaal een halve werkweek, maargoed. Waar voor je (oud)geld. Vier sterren zodat ik meer ontwikkeld lijk dan ik daadwerkelijk ben.

falling down sounds

Great album, good improvisation from all trio members. Bill Evans doesn't disappoint

I feel like a lot of jazz is very "full of itself". This felt like there was no pretentiousness about it. It's a good listen and makes jazz feel like an approachable genre

Buen jazz

This was really difficult to rate. My goal here in this challenge is to only listen to records once, but this took me many tries! You really have to concentrate for instrumental albums. Listening in a loud bus doesn't work. Letting your mind wander off doesn't work. Actually take the time to have a cup of coffee, stare at nature and let the music take you where it wants to. Trust me, it's worth it.

really good. if im being honest i cant tell the difference between jazz albums, but i liked this one a lot

4.5/5

Just a lovely live jazz recording, suitable for sunny picnics or warm bourbon by the fire. Enjoy!

Picture it: Playing billiards at the Vanguard while listening to live music such as this. It has an ambience to it that soothe the soul. Favorite Song: "Gloria's Step"

Very nice.

Cool little jazz album.

I needed some new jazz before the holidays hit. Perfect timing.

A delight. Sumptuous. Listenable and re-listenable. Very happy discovery. I am going to dig deeper and dog more ...

Too many bass solos, otherwise this would be a slam dunk.

Trio jazz like this really places demands on the players and these guys are/were some of the very best. Again I'm not a jazz guy but these artists are real masters.

Just an all-around pleasure to listen to, so soothing to listen to and an interesting contrast to something like Kind of Blue where the brass tend to command attention.

It's jazzy piano, bass and drums. The bass solos are a little too improvisational for my liking but in general it's a pretty easy listen. The recording is excellent. I did not realize it was a live album until the audience clapped. Very good album.

Couldn’t get into this on first listen. Then I put on a lot of good headphones and could hear the bass properly and could see why this is heralded as a great live album. Three musicians just killing it live. I think this will be another grower for me- nothing really grabbed me although I could definitely appreciate it.

very good study music

What a great live performance

I have similar thoughts for this as I did for 'Lady In Satin'. This is a great album, but is hard to listen to when I'm working. It's an album that makes you think! It needs 110% of your brain! There's a lot of good stuff going on here. It's not an album I'm going to rave about and actively seek out (unless I'm throwing an extravagant cocktail party). But it is very good.

Yep, that’s Jazz alright

I love jazz, but this was a bit too frantic and scattered for me. This album might be proof that it is indeed possible for there to be too much improv. Still, I enjoyed it and it'd be good background music for any holiday parties I ever host. (I do not have enough friends to host any holiday parties.)

Smooooth

My notes were wiped and I don't remember them, but I enjoyed this album. Great playing all around by everyone even if the bass solo passages at times seem to go on a little long and diverge from the core feeling of the song a bit.

Really nice

This might seem like a minor detail to point out, but the little ambiance in the background of this album is such an interesting aspect. The clatter of the plates and glasses, the inaudible noises from the crowd. How do you think it felt to be a part of this experience? Sitting at a nice venue with some cool jazz. It’s probably a lot better than sitting in your room, trying to get your daily album done during your busy life. All jokes aside, this is some chill stuff. The trio of the piano, bass, and drums mix together very well, and this would make some amazing lounge music. While I’m not a fan of an album being primarily background music, this is a good showcase of early 60’s jazz. I just wish I can put it in the right atmosphere. Favorite track: Alice in Wonderland Other hits: Gloria’s Step, My Man’s Gone, Jade Visions

Wonderful beat era jazz. The trio works effortlessly in sussing out emotive and expressive melodies. A real treat, given the quality of this live performance.

Didn't know of the Bill Evans trio before this.. but liked the contemplative piano music a lot... nice sunday night gentle music..

Enjoyed it, can see my self coming back to it while doing some work or relaxing in the evening. Pretty standard good jazz - cant complain

Brilliant Jazz! I have a love hate thing with jazz. I rarely love it and largely hate it but this was my kind of jazz. 4.3

A special moment, both musically and within jazz history.

Perfect for hip-hop samples. Lovely to sit through.

I'm biased because I love Bill Evan's music, so this was excellent.

Fantastic.

Classic

Undeniably great. Some of the most astonishing bass playing I’ve ever heard. But a little Bill Evan’s goes a long way.

Smoooooooth Jazz is back. I would listen to this driving, working, cleaning house, etc.

Chill

Cafe Jazz that is perfect for a sunday evening by a fire or with a cup of tea. Easy listening.

Really liked it. Nice chill background music.

Just round my background working music. I really like this album for not having to think about it.

Somehow this list has started converting me to liking some jazz? Actually found this very nice to listen to and I might actually come back to it

Lovely!

Great live album but I feel not one of the best as it is teased here. In my book, Evans did more and better on other albums.

Pretty

Wonderful live jazz album, great passive listening.

Perfectly pleasant jazz. The bass player is incredible.

It's hard to describe a record like this or describe what I enjoy about it. Bill Evans is one of modal and cool jazz's legendary pianists, with his most recognizable work likely being on Miles Davis' 'Kind of Blue'. I find the song 'Blue in Green' to be his standout performance on that album. I love how intimate, rich, and pristine he sounds on those opening piano notes - they're not quite sad but they do give off this uneasy sense of dissatisfaction in a comfortably coddling way. I'm not reviewing that album or song though, I'm reviewing this live record but I mention that particular song off of 'Kind of Blue' because Bill Evans' musical synthesis, more times than not, feels exactly like those opening notes on 'Blue in Green'. I mean 'Solar' here's a bit more upbeat, and you're getting occasional bass solos and drum fills, but at the end of the day, everything still feels very rich, tight, and cool. 'Alice in Wonderland' is probably my favorite song here - it just strikes this great balance between subtle ambitious ferocity and rainy-day gloom. I'll say the live setting doesn't play much of a role in this listening experience - I'm not familiar with the studio versions of the songs played here but I wouldn't imagine they'd sound much different. I'll say it again, there's very little in terms of specific moments that I liked here, it all blends together but also still manages to partition itself into different moods. Ultimately with this listening experience, you're getting 40 minutes of cool jazz bliss - and who can hate on that?

Really liked this one. The recording sounded great.

I am here for all the jazz albums! The different takes a wonderful. Drummer is on fire! So is the pianist and bass player.

4 - I really like this when I was cooking, was super chill but didnt get to listen all the way through. So picked it up driving to work and really struggled.

I listened as I ran through the fields surrounding Versailles. Jazz 4.1/5

Very skilled musicians, beautifully meshing together in a very detailed recording. Worth going back to when I’m closer to the right headspace.

Rainy day jazz with three guys absolutely destroying their respective instruments. The bass player was a tier above the other two. Another live album that I feel is ruined by the constant chatter of people in the audience. 7/10

A bass forward jazz record. Alice In wonderland is a really nice track. Jade Visions is also a really nice track. I don't think this is my favorite Bill Evans record, but it is still very good.

This feels like what they play in nice hip restaurants.

I'll admit to being seduced by the aura dripping from this record. It's a warm summer evening in 1961 in a cozy little spot in the West Village. If you gave me a time machine, I wouldn't hesitate. Anyway, I think the best way to listen to this album is not the band as a whole, not as one cohesive sound, but instead keeping the three instruments separate in your mind. Each one painting in a different color. Close your eyes and it's a very visual album.

Scott LaFaro, influential Jazz bassist, recorded this a little over a week before he sadly passed at 25 years old. I’m not going to claim to be an expert on Jazz. It’s a genre that I’ve heard a handful of records, but have trouble deciphering what’s great and what’s bad. I really rely on my personal preference. I enjoyed the piano from Evans, and the bass definitely stood out. That being said, I’m not sure this is a Jazz record I will revisit often. The instrumentation was phenomenal like most Jazz records, but not much stood out to me compared to other records, other than the bass, which I did love.

A masterful album, but it requires active listening to truly appreciate the musicianship and the dance happening between all three performers.

Quality stuff, sets a consistent strong mood throughout Love that double bass sound as well

Very enjoyable listen. Listened while working on school stuff and it does wonders.

Master of fingering! Favourite Songs: I Hear a Rhapsody, Romain, Skating in Central Park, Darn That Dream. Least Favourite Songs: My Funny Valentine, Dream Gypsy.

very pleasant album. bill evans was a terrific jazz pianist, and it is highlighted here. his phrasing and chord structure is second to none - i would say, even, iconic. when you're listening to a jazz record, you know when bill evans is playing piano. the rhythm section here does its part and never gets in the way of the star of the show here (the piano). that being said, although it was good and pleasant, it never got truly incredible for me. the highs were not high and the lows were not low, it was just good. musicianship is pretty good, songs are fine.

This is a really nice vibe during my favorite era in jazz. Only thing keeping it from an easy 5 from me is that it's so laid back throughout.

It's the Bill Evans Trio. Amazing to listen to while working or reading. Also, if you listen more actively, you are also rewarded. Have to be in the right mood to stick it on but always pleasant. Maybe not my favourite from them, but still lovely.

Awesome discovery - great to create a chill atmosphere

Nice, clean, smooth jazz.

Excellent album de piano Jazz que je possède et apprécie beaucoup, même s'il ne fait pas partie de mes préférés. => 4/5

Przyjemne, ale jednak nie jestem dużym fanem jazzu. Wszystko zlewa mi się w całość, szczególnie gdy leci w tle. Tym nie mniej dobry album 4/5

This is very nice. Not my favorite. Too many bass solos. But the parts that are good are very good. More of a musician’s musician.

Very good, I enjoyed this.

Nice smooth jazz - dinner time jazz. He's excellent on the piano.

well, it sounded like they had a good time, anyway

A new favorite added to the jazz collection, what a find! The balance of keys, bass, and drums is superb. You don’t need to love jazz to enjoy this album, and it’s live!!

Good for what it was. Not something id listen to regularly though.

8.5/10

Always a treat to get something other than a boring rock album

I really enjoyed listening to this album, despite having little to no perspective on what makes for great jazz, or a great jazz album for that matter. It's an impressive live recording, especially for the time, as you can hear people talking and glasses clinking at times (usually during the bass solos), which only adds to the ambience and the live feeling. They had a rich sound for only three people, too; I particularly enjoyed "Gloria's Step", "Solar" and "Alice in Wonderland". A bummer to read that this album/recording marked the end of this particular trio, when Scott LaFaro (the clearly very talented bassist) died a few days later in a car accident. Given the great chemistry among the three of them (or at least it certainly seems that way listening to the album), I can see why Bill Evans struggled for a while to even play, but glad that he continued to make music in his post-LaFaro years, at least until his own untimely early death. And it was also interesting to read up on the storied history of the Village Vanguard and the many careers launched there (or at least greatly assisted).

Bill Evans is clearly a master at work. This is the kind of music one can listen to all day while focusing on work or whateter activities they might be doing without any jarring, pressing need, or sudden urge to turn things down or up or off. Perfect lounge music 10/10. Now... if there is a problem with lounge music, this kind of lyric free soft jazz, it is that it is so very steady, so clean and functionally neutral, that outside of its calming, mellow affect, it really has no emotional impact or challenges. I will grant this album four stars because after it was done I let the youtube matrix play his next, even longer album because it fit my mood as background. However, if one is seeking a bit more emotion or thrill or variety, you might want to leave this one for a day you have had enough stress and just need to calm things down.

This is a beautiful, classic, jazz record. A nice entry point.

Album 459 of 1001 Sunday at the Village Vanguard - Bill Evans Trio Rating : 4 / 5 I’ve always loved the trio setup, and these guys do it better than just about anyone. The interplay, the feel, the musicianship — all top-notch. A beautifully performed jazz classic that I’d easily recommend to anyone wanting to explore the genre.

4/5 Silky smooth jazz. The three instruments feel like the ideal combination at times, with the unrelenting, darting, almost abrasive bass, dazzling piano and constant drums making such a heavenly sound. Often it is impossible to listen to without an immediate sense of calm. In fact the more energetic moments such as on Solar are the weak points when the excitement brings the piano and bass to different places, such that they compete for attention, or the bass seems to wander aimlessly. But when the piano and bass fuse it feels great, and it would be an exceptional album if they did so consistently. Gloria's Step 4/5 My Man's Gone Now 5/5 (FAV) Solar 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV) Alice In Wonderland 5/5 All Of You 3.5/5 Jade Visions 4.5/5

This sounded great. Need to come back to it another time

Dope, live jazz album. I felt like I was in the club. Piano playing was magnificent.

Easy listening, vocal-less jazz.

awesome. One of the very best to do it

Class bit of live jazz with virtuosic piano and double bass playing

This was a pleasantly chill jazz album. My favorite kind of jazz: the kind of jazz that doesn't give you a headache (aka freeform). Great for a low-key Friday morning to start the weekend.

Fantastic chill jazz club vibes. Really enjoyed this.

Love it. Instrumental excellence

Evans was an amazing player and musical mind; there's a reason that Miles entrusted him to man the piano for Kind of Blue. His work on that record speaks for itself, as does his work on Oliver Nelson's The Blues & The Abstract Truth and quite a bit of his solo material. And yet, while I find albums like Sunday at the Village Vanguard perfectly easy and enjoyable to listen to, I don't find him as engaging as many other pianists when it comes to leading a trio. As some people here have pointed out, the late, great Scott LaFaro often appears to be the MVP of this performance (a claim that Evans himself might not have disputed), but with all due respect to him, I want to hear Evans handle a little bit more of the heavy lifting. Which isn't to say that Bill isn't amazing; I think his playing on "Gloria's Step" and "Alice in Wonderland", in particular, is spectacular. I just don't think, especially at this point in his career, he was the most charismatic performer, and while I don't want/need him to be Jerry Lee Lewis behind the piano, I find myself gravitating toward people like Red Garland, Ahmad Jamal, and a host of other pianists when I consider who I'd prefer to hear in this environment. Still, good stuff. 3.5/5

I liked it, but didn’t realise some songs were on twice which shows how much I was concentrating

Really nice jazz album from the early 60’s. Easy and accessible. Piano, bass and drums. These guys are tight, and in sync. There’s no real “stand out” track, but everything is solid. This is one I’ll revisit. 4/5

Don't get me wrong, this is a great record, but it's really restricted by only being a 3-piece jazz group. There's only so many bass solos you can do before stuff starts getting boring.

heartbreaking: the worst person you know just made a great point (mi viejo que le encanta el jazz). 9/10, belleza pura

It was like I was there.

Great live jazz album, not much to say, everyone is good, very nice chilled out jazz 4.5/5

I don't have the jazz vocabulary to describe it properly, but I would call it gentle, meandering dinner jazz. The more early 1960s jazz I hear, the more I like it. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: All Of You Date listened: 11/04/24

Of all the jazz I've listened to, this is what I want jazz to be. It's chill and puts me in a good mood as a backing track for a day of doing laundry and cleaning.

Like a pleasant stroll through an upmarket department store

Awesome album

Dit zou een reden kunnen zijn om meer jazz te luisteren

beautifully chill and relaxed jazz that provides a true coffee shop atmosphere while also being a little dark and mournful. Super good album.

This album definitely gives chill day at the park on Sunday vibes. Great jazz trio of piano, upright bass, and drums. Relaxing and enjoyable listen, although a bit less relaxing when the bass player goes on his crazy solos.

Great live jazz album, one you can just sit back and chill too, added to my frequent rotation.

A surprising new listen. Bill Evans Trio really pull off this live jazz album.

Really enjoyed it, but want to give it a another listen down the road. 4.3/5

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.

Jazz

Beautiful, relaxing, impressive compositions.

erg jazzy

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.

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.

- 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.

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

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.

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

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.

Its funny to review nice instrumental music.

Just makes everything feel classy!

classic

Soft, easy listening.

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

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

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

some good jazz for a nice day

Great live jazz set

Very soothing album.

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.

Great album - first listen

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

Great musicianship. Music flows effortlessly.

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

Jazz at it s best

Solid live jazz

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.

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.

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.

Nice

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.

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

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.

Can’t go wrong with jazz.

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.

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.

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

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.

it's so relaxing!

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

"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

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.

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

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.

Beautiful 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.

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

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

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

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

good starbucks background music (minus the clapping)

Nice. Jazz standards.

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

Jazz

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

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

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

A true classic, especially if you like bass solos.

Absolutely beautiful sounding for a live jazz album. Gets better as it moves forward.

9 Times out of 10 live albums suck. This is that 1/10 time it doesn't. This just sounds like a jazz album recorded in a studio (barring one or two tracks that end in applause) This is like coffee house jazz, but I still enjoy it quite a bit. Really a pretty good jazz album all around. It isn't the exact subgenre of jazz I like the most, but it is still really good. I'm feeling a solid to strong 4/5 on this one.

This is the noodly sort of thing that I stereotypically associate with jazz in my mind. I enjoyed having it on although I didn’t totally connect with it. Maybe not my favorite of the jazz I’ve heard on this project, but I enjoyed it quite a bit!

Incredible jazz ensemble

Some say the bass is still walking.

Parfait en ambiance sonore pour faire autre chose.

4.5 rounding down starting to think im a sucker for jazz

pretty smooth in a good way. 4 stars.

Really enjoyed this piano piece - calming and full of love. Favourite: Waltz For Debby

Very nice listening music, great jazz album

A very smooth and highly listenable live recording. I learnt that the bassist on this album, Scott LaFaro, was one of the most influential jazz bassists of all time, who sadly died in a car accident 11 days after the concert. I’ll be listening to more Bill Evans in the future for sure.

The performances are so good I forgot it was a live album. It has a very rich sound despite only having three performers.

Honestly, I could not tell you a single title on this album. However, it is comfortable and unostentatious jazz in a mellow timbre which begat much of the same. I would jump off it again.

Very soothing and easy to listen. I liked it but don’t think live records should be on this list…

ну это 1961 год, важно учитывать вайб обалденный

Wonderful album, looking forward to listening to more jazz

Very cool. Definitely up my alley in terms of jazz.

The sort of live album that makes you feel like you’re in a cozy café on a rainy afternoon, nursing a coffee and enjoying some supremely talented musicians jamming together. Loose, improvisational and relaxing.

Great album with some phenomenal playing. Bass player was incredible and I’m glad everyone was able to follow tradition and get a nice conversation in during all the solos! Added zero, skipped none will have on in the background.

Ég fíla djass, sérstaklega svona jam sessions og þessi plata er eiginlega bara eitt stórt jam session. Þannig að þetta var voða þægilegt og gott þótt ég gæti ekki sagt hvenær eitt lag endaði og annað byrjaði.

There's no doubt that this is excellence. You really cannot play these classics any better than the trio are both individually and collectively. But...I just can't give a rhythm section trio a perfect 5. Brass and woodwinds just add far too much to my enjoyment of jazz. This is probably the rating I regret the most thus far, but I have to be honest with myself here. I do take pride in having seen a show at this legendary venue though, and I am very glad to have it be coronated in this list.

I first knew Bill Evans as the pianist in the Miles Davis Sextet that did Kinda Blue(1959), supposedly the best-selling jazz album of all time. He had started working with Miles in 1958, but had started his own trio by 1960, most notably with the line-up here. I always liked Evans’s playing. Waltz For Debby, which is on the extended cd release of this album, is a big favourite of mine. Nat Adderley once said that : "When he started to use Bill, Miles changed his style from very hard to a softer approach." and you can hear it on Miles’s early 60’s stuff, which I’ve always preferred over his 70’s jazz-fusion albums. Anyway, I really enjoyed this album, which I wasn’t familiar with. You can see why Evans was distraught when bassist Scott LaFaro died a matter of days after this recording. What a talent. As was/is usual with jazz artists, this live recording features versions of two standards, My Man’s Gone Now by Gershwin, from his opera Porgy & Bess & the beautiful All Of You, by Cole Porter, from his Broadway show Silk Stockings. I always enjoy hearing how much of the original melody survives when jazzmen get their hands on it. I can hear Porter but not Gershwin. But it’s irrelevant, really. This band was cooking on the Sunday afternoon in question.

Can't go wrong with Bill Evans. This is a solid live record from his trio. The bass solos are probably my favorite. A great balance of lush and intense. And of course Bill adds in those signature touches throughout that are so uniquely him.

I havent heard this before but do like the Bill Evans that I have listened to. This was an enjoyable listen of a very tight group.

Hell yeah. Nice chill tunes.

Great live album, didnt care for the multiple takes.

Good album, not really something I’d listen to often but it’s definitely on my list to listen to while I paint or read

Great live jazz album! Contrabass, piano and drums - all very good together and all have great solos. Probably recorded in a bar as you can hear talking and glasses in the background. It kind of makes you feel you where there.

gostoso

Definitely one I wouldn't have picked on a "what should I listen to today" thought process. Nice jazzy change to my day!

Really liked this one

Jazzy jazz

Cool album

Great album jazz, very smooth. The bass lines are amazing!

4.5

One of the best double bass playing I've ever heard. I'll sit on this one for some time. its so hard for me to rate classic jazz albums on a scale 1-5