Sunday at the Village Vanguard

We all know about “important” jazz albums. Too often, the very qualities that make them “important” may not make them any fun to listen to. This one, however, is both important and deeply, richly enjoyable. Recorded in 1961 with a trio that included bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian, it finds pianist Bill Evans at the top of his powers. His lush, impressionistic chordal playing and his heartbreakingly beautiful melodies are everywhere, and LaFaro and Motian support him with a level of communication that seems nearly telepathic. In retrospect, LaFaro’s death in a car accident only days later adds to the emotional resonance of these performances. This is arguably one of the ten best jazz albums ever.