Bill Evans Trio Sunday at the Village Vanguard UHQR 200g 45rpm 2LP Box Set

Michael Fremer Rated 11/10 Music, 11/10 Sound!

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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. Cut at 45 RPM to reduce distortion and high frequency loss as the wider-spaced grooves let your stereo cartridge track more accurately. 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.

If we gave out 12s, these would have to get 12s but we only go up to 11.