Bill Evans Trio - Sunday At The Village Vanguard

The Bill Evans Trio's Sunday At The Village Vanguard on Analogue Productions' UHQR, the pinnacle of high-quality vinyl!

The definitive version of one of the most classic jazz recordings of all time and a regular on most best-of jazz lists!

200-gram 45 RPM 2LP release limited to 5,000 copies

Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from the original analog tapes

Set includes 8-page booklet with liner notes by renowned jazz critic Bob Blumenthal

Pressed on Clarity Vinyl at Quality Record Pressings

Purest possible pressing and most visually stunning presentation and packaging!

"These are a vinyl revival dream demo pair to show off what records can do to hearts and minds. ... As well-pressed as the OJC versions are, there are definitely quieter backgrounds here. Even the most cynical among you would notice if your system was up to the quiet. Out of that comes an even more "tape like" rendering of the tape. Wisely it doesn't sound as if Kevin Gray changed anything from however he set things up for the OJC series so the basic sound is not at all different from the OJC but what is different is an even more subtle attack precision, and the quiet and 45rpm speed produces lingering sustain and noticeably more generous decay. The differences aren't revelatory — there's only so much that can be pulled from these tapes — but they are there especiallyl if you're listening as "one large ear, equipped only with a psyche" and not as someone trying to analyze individual elements. Plus the sound is more uniform because the stylus stays away from the most inner grooves. These more "tape like." If we gave out 12s, these would have to get 12s but we only go up to 11." — Music = 11/11; Sound = 11/11 - Michael Fremer, TrackingAngle.com. Read the entire review here.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest live jazz recordings of all time, Sunday At The Village Vanguard from the Bill Evans Trio, captures a remarkable performance by pianist Bill Evans, bassist Scott LaFaro, and drummer Paul Motian at the Village Vanguard jazz club in New York City on June 25, 1961.

The album features a selection of jazz standards and original compositions, showcasing the exceptional musicianship and improvisational prowess of the trio. The interplay between Evans, LaFaro, and Motian is extraordinary, with each musician seamlessly complementing and responding to one another.

The record showed how Evans had refined an approach to solo improvisation in which the pulse was not as obvious as it had been in swing and bop approaches. And his extraordinarily high standards required that each improvised melodic idea be extensively developed, resulting in more continuity and pacing than was common to any previous modern style.

Now Analogue Productions, the audiophile in-house reissue label of Acoustic Sounds, Inc., together with Quality Record Pressings, is putting Sunday At The Village Vanguard where it belongs: the Ultra High Quality Record (UHQR) pressed on Clarity Vinyl with attention paid to every single detail of this one-of-a-kind reissue.

Four glorious sides of 200-gram Clarity Vinyl from QRP, the world's best pressing plant. Cut at 45 RPM to reduce distortion and high frequency loss as the wider-spaced grooves let your stereo cartridge track more accurately. UHQRs from Analogue Productions are the gold-standard in premium vinyl releases, with attention paied to every single detail. The proprietary vinyl compound enhances the sound quality, offering improved dynamics, detail, and tonal accuracy. The heavier vinyl minimizes resonance and warping, providing a stable and flat playing surface. And great care is taken to eliminate any surface noise or imperfections throughout the manufacturing process.

Overall, UHQR Clarity Vinyl from Analogue Productions is a sought-after format among audiophiles and collectors who value the highest possible audio fidelity from their vinyl records.

One of the standout tracks on this album is the rendition of the jazz standard "Gloria's Step." Evans' delicate touch and lyrical piano playing shine through, while LaFaro's inventive and melodic bass lines add depth and richness to the sound. The trio's chemistry is evident as they navigate through intricate musical passages and engage in spontaneous musical conversations.

Another notable track is "Alice in Wonderland," an original composition by Evans. It highlights his unique approach to harmony and melody, characterized by introspection, elegance, and a delicate touch. The trio's interpretation of this piece is enchanting and showcases their ability to create a magical atmosphere through their collective musical expression.

Sunday at the Village Vanguard is celebrated not only for its exceptional music but also for its exceptional sound quality. The recording captures the intimate ambiance of the Vanguard, allowing listeners to experience the energy and intimacy of a live jazz performance.