Waltz for Debby (1964 album)

Waltz for Debby is a live album by the Bill Evans Trio, featuring Bill Evans on piano, Chuck Israels on bass, and Larry Bunker on drums. It was recorded on June 25, 1961, at the Village Vanguard in New York City. The album documents the trio's final performance at the club before bassist Scott LaFaro's death ten days later in a car accident, an event that deeply affected Evans and led him to take a hiatus from performing.

The album's title track, "Waltz for Debby," is one of Evans's most well-known and beloved compositions, dedicated to his niece. Waltz for Debby features two distinct takes of this piece, offering listeners the opportunity to compare and contrast the improvisational nuances within each performance.

Besides the title track, the album includes other notable pieces like "My Foolish Heart," "My Romance," "Some Other Time," and "Porgy." The performances are characterized by the trio's intricate interplay, lyrical improvisation, and sensitive dynamic control. The intimate atmosphere of the Village Vanguard is captured in the recording, including ambient sounds of the audience, which contribute to the album's overall ambiance.

Waltz for Debby is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential jazz piano trio albums ever recorded. It is celebrated for its delicate beauty, emotional depth, and the innovative interaction between the musicians. It remains a cornerstone of Bill Evans's discography and a significant contribution to the jazz canon.