The Bill Evans Trio

Europe 2012 press.
One of the all-time great live jazz recordings. Captured in 1961 with Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums, it’s the sound of a trio completely locked in but never showing off. Subtle, conversational playing that still feels intimate decades later. Essential doesn’t even cover it. FFO: Miles Davis sidemen cutting loose, late-night coffee that’s gone cold, piano notes hanging in cigarette smoke, and anyone who swears “jazz is better live.”