Bill Evans: California Here I Come (Verve Vault) (180 g) (2LP)

Six years after his legendary live performance on June 25, 1961—which resulted in two of Bill Evans’ most popular and best albums for the Riverside label— *Sunday at the Village Vanguard* and *Waltz for Debby*—the influential jazz pianist returned to the same Manhattan jazz club for two nights in August 1967. This time, he performed in a unique trio lineup with Eddie Gómez on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. The recordings were released in 1982, two years after Evans’ death, on the double album “California Here I Come,” which owes its perhaps somewhat confusing title to the album’s opening track. On both evenings, Evans and his bandmates were at their best, showcasing unbridled verve, rhythmic fire, and high energy in their interpretations of standards such as “’Round Midnight,” “In a Sentimental Mood,” and “Stella by Starlight,” as well as the then-new Bacharach/David hit “Alfie,” they displayed unbridled verve, rhythmic fire, and energetic interplay. Verve Vault Series: Cut and mastered from the original analog tapes by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound and pressed on 180-gram vinyl by Optimal. Gatefold sleeve featuring the iconic original artwork.