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Comment by itneverfails | Hacker News Reader

I'm recovering from a year-long obsessive binge of Bill Evans Trio. For other fans here, I'm curious as to what your favorite album is? I Will Say Goodbye and Since We Met are brlliant, of course, but Sunday at the Village Vanguard with Scott Lafaro holds a special place in my heart.

Yours?

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Not by the trio, but Undercurrent was the first album I listened to, and my favorite from Bill Evans by far. His (and Jim Hall's) improvisations, and the overall tone of the piano, in these tunes were incredible in terms of both melody and harmony.

+1 to this. This is an incredible record.

I usually recommend "Since We Met" to anyone new to Evans, its a great collection of tunes and a great performance. "I Will Say Goodbye" is a great record too, although my CD copy has lots of tape wow and flutter all over it. I'm not sure if the broken tape machine was used in mastering or whether all recordings have these artefacts.

How about his work with Toots Thielemans, ‘Affinity’. Such an unlikely combo but certainly kindred spirits.

Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby are 2 of the best live albums of any genre

+1 to this. Scott LaFaro was an incredible bassist who sadly died shortly after these recordings were made.

Also, for work inspired by Bill Evans, I would recommend Chucho Valdes' lovely solo tribute, "Bill (Evans)". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0efPOn5C4c

Add to this Portrait in Jazz and Explorations.

I’ve been listening to those four albums very regularly for 6-7 years now. For a while I listened to at least one of the four each night.

yeah, to be pedantic they aren't live albums but totally agree - I wouldn't be surprised if I've listened to portrait in jazz 500 times front to back

The 1972 ORTF Paris recording (https://www.discogs.com/Bill-Evans-Trio-Complete-February-19...) is the one I listen to most (although Conversations with Myself is a close one). I particularly like the rendition of Autumn Leaves and Someday My Prince Will Come from it, although the whole album is excellent. For some reason, not available on Apple Music, though (I’ve had it on CD for many years).

Funny, I started my obsession about two months ago. I've basically always had Sunday at the Village Vanguard somewhere in my rotation for the last 10 years, but I've only started branching out with other Evans albums recently, beginning with Undercurrents. So I'm following replies here with some anticipation.

'Conversations With Myself' was enjoyable for me. Multiple Bills, playing at once!

Nice to see some jazz fans on HN.

There are so many good ones, but my personal favorite is Moonbeams for a more slow, contemplative sound.

Mine is Some Other Time: The Lost Session From The Black Forest

I can listen to that album without ever getting tired.

Sunday at the Village Vanguard is my favourite

I recommend trying out Ahmad Jamal maybe you like him too

Hmm, I think it’s called “Time Remembered”? I believe that’s the one with their take on Danny Boy, my favorite interpretation of it (narrowly beating the King’s Singers).

I have been enjoying Bill Frisell Gone, Just like a train. Review: “...as if Carl Perkins and Duane Eddy took on Otis Rush and Bill Evans in a bridge tournament.”

I have limited explosure to Bill Frisell, but he seems to have a diverse sound and can play many different genres of music. Thanks for sharing.

in some ways one of the most influential living guitarists. you can really hear his influence on julian lage, and actually im pretty sure bireli lagrene has been influenced lately based on some of his recent recordings. i cant think of a single guitarist, or really any musician i know who doesnt love him.

I bought this on CD when it first came out. There is a big fold-out with gorgeous cartoon paintings by Jim Woodring. It's worth having the physical object if you like the music.

The Complete Village Vanguard, and Complete Verve, are essential because of the alternate takes, which imo are often better than the master takes.

Consecration: The Final Recordings

It's recorded weeks before his death. There's something special in his later performances.

Favorite album probably You Must Believe In Spring. Days of Wine And Roses from Letter To Evan is my favorite tune at the moment.

Undercurrent is my favorite, closely followed by waltz for debby, stellar artist!

Explorations hits a great spot for me. But Village Vanguard is probably my fav.

Undercurrent is a definite favorite, what a brilliant musician.

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