Bill Evans Trio with Scott LaFaro, Paul Motian

Waltz for Debby

First released1962

Waltz for Debby was recorded live at the Village Vanguard in New York City on June 25, 1961, capturing Bill Evans Trio in their natural performance environment rather than a studio setting. The album was produced by Orrin Keepnews for Riverside Records, with the recording engineer being Val Valentin. This live recording showcased the intimate interplay between Evans on piano, Scott LaFaro on bass, and Paul Motian on drums, representing one of the final documented performances of this legendary trio before LaFaro's tragic death just weeks later in July 1961. The technical achievement of capturing such clear, balanced sound during a live nightclub performance was notable for the era, and the album has since become regarded as one of the finest jazz piano trio recordings ever made.