"Sunday at the Village Vanguard" is a live album by jazz pianist and composer Bill Evans, featuring his Trio with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. Released in 1961, the album is often regarded as one of the best live jazz recordings of all time.
The album consists of material recorded on June 25, 1961, at the Village Vanguard in New York City. During this session, the trio performed five sets—two in the afternoon and three in the evening—each lasting about half an hour. Tragically, this was the last performance by the Bill Evans Trio with LaFaro, who died in a car accident just eleven days later.
Initially, Riverside Records sought to release only one album from this recording, but LaFaro's death altered their plans. The album was subtitled "Featuring Scott LaFaro" and was released three months later, in September 1961. Evans and producer Orrin Keepnews selected tracks to showcase LaFaro's exceptional bass performance, beginning and ending with LaFaro's own compositions, "Gloria's Step" and "Jade Visions."
This significant performance also led to additional material being released in 1962 as Waltz for Debby, with more takes appearing posthumously in 1984 on Bill Evans — More From the Vanguard.
In various interviews, Evans expressed gratitude for the recording, considering it the last time he played with LaFaro. He reflected on the profound impact of LaFaro's loss, stating it marked a low point in his life and career, leading him to refrain from playing for several months.
