Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Released to great fanfare in 1961, the second album by the original Bill Evans trio showcases their many years of refined synergy and pioneering three-way interaction. The seminal group featured pianist Bill Evans, bassist Scott LaFaro, and drummer Paul Motian and here they presented intimate renditions of jazz standards as well as three other, new compositions that became emblematic of their signature sound. Evans himself later cited this recording as one of his personal favourites in a vast catalogue which adds even more significance to its place in jazz history, as well as being a damn good listen that highlighted their exceptional musical chemistry.

Review: Here comes a newly discovered recording by the Bill Evans Trio. It's a live recording that had Eddie Gomez on bass and Eliot Zigmund on drums and was captured on June 20, 1975, at Oil Can Harry's in Vancouver for the radio host Gary Barclay and his CHQM jazz show. The tape has lay lost for almost 50 years but now, after audio restoration by Plangent Processes it sounds as fresh as it ever did. Grammy winning writer, radio host and journalist Neil Tesser has also penned all new liner notes to accompany this special release.

Review: Usually we note how many albums along a new release is, but by 'Trio '65', Bill Evans was so deep into his live LP-releasing career that we find it difficult to count out exactly which release number this one is. Now reissued on Verve's Acoustic Sounds series - dedicated to new vinyl remasters from analog tapes - the jazz pianist's masterful hand technique is given its most thorough audiophile's listen-in yet. Joined by bassist Chuck Israels and drummer Larry Bunker for this 1965 recording, this one is a typically noir and cigarette-smoked tour through both Evans originals and known standards, from 'Israel' and 'Elsa to 'Come Rain Or Come Shine'.

Review: Analogue Productions' UHQR release of the Bill Evans Trio's Sunday at the Village Vanguard is a pinnacle in high-quality vinyl. Limited to 5,000 copies, this 200-gram 45 RPM 2LP set, mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from the original analogue tapes, offers an unparalleled listening experience. The set includes an eight-page booklet with liner notes by jazz critic Bob Blumenthal, enhancing its collectible value. Regarded as one of the greatest live jazz recordings, the album captures the remarkable June 25, 1961, performance of Bill Evans, Scott LaFaro, and Paul Motian at the Village Vanguard. The trio's exceptional musicianship and improvisational prowess are evident throughout, with seamless interplay and innovative approaches to jazz standards and original compositions. The UHQR Clarity Vinyl pressing at Quality Record Pressings ensures the purest sound quality, with improved dynamics, detail, and tonal accuracy. Standout tracks like 'Gloria's Step' and 'Alice in Wonderland' showcase Evans' delicate touch, LaFaro's inventive bass lines, and the trio's extraordinary chemistry. This release not only celebrates exceptional music but also offers an intimate, high-fidelity listening experience.

Review: Bill Evans' Waltz for Debby, recorded live at the Village Vanguard in 1962, epitomizes jazz's intimate and expressive qualities. As a companion piece to Sunday at the Village Vanguard, this album features Evans' trio in a nuanced, emotional performance that showcases his distinctive approach to jazz piano. The Analogue Productions reissue on 200-gram Clarity Vinyl, pressed at 45 RPM, is crafted to offer an exceptional listening experience. Notable tracks such as 'Waltz for Debby,' along with classics like 'My Foolish Heart' and 'Detour Ahead,' highlight Evans' introspective improvisations and lyrical style. The live recording's atmosphere, with the audience's subtle presence, adds to the album's genuine appeal. This special pressing and full edition is one of the most well produced reissues we have seen in some time. The care, love and hours gone into this is immeasurable .

Review: Here's a masterclass in live jazz recordings, widely considered one of the best of all time and with very good reason. Bill Evans sat down at the piano for five consecutive sets at the Village Vanguard in New York on June 25 1961, joined by drummer Paul Motian and bassist Scott LaFaro (who died just 11 days later). Due to LaFaro's death, the album was put together as a tribute of sorts, bookended by LaFaro's own compositions and with other tracks selected to celebrate his outstanding playing. Other albums such as Waltz For Debby have since drawn on material from these sessions, but this original set remains the unrivalled pinnacle of live sets from Evans.