Bill Evans: Waltz for Debby (opaque pink vinyl) [DOL]

Why you'll love it

One of the most loved piano trio records ever made, captured live at the Village Vanguard just days before bassist Scott LaFaro's untimely passing.

This edition

• Opaque pink vinyl
• 180g vinyl

About the album

Listen closely and you'll hear glasses clinking and a few chatty patrons at the Village Vanguard on June 25, 1961. Most of them had no idea they were sitting in on history: Bill Evans, Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian playing as one, three voices in conversation rather than a pianist and his backing band.

The title track, written for Evans' young niece, is a tiny miracle of a melody that blooms into swing, and "My Foolish Heart" may be the most delicate ballad on record. "Detour Ahead," "Some Other Time" and Miles Davis' "Milestones" show how freely LaFaro's bass weaves around the piano while Motian's brushes whisper underneath.

Alongside Sunday at the Village Vanguard, drawn from the same sessions, it remains a cornerstone of any jazz shelf.

Also at Kops: more Bill Evans on vinyl · browse Jazz

Tracklist

Listen

On DOL (cat# DOL862HB), a reissue of the 1962 album.