TRANSCRIPT:
Hi, I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Space is vital in jazz, exemplified by the Bill Evans Trio—Bill Evans on piano, Scott LaFaro on bass, and Paul Motian on drums. This group showcased equal contribution, with Evans’ introspective sound, LaFaro’s innovative bass playing, and Motian’s color-focused drumming.
Their landmark 1961 recordings at the Village Vanguard, including Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby, redefined jazz trios as improvisational and emotionally rich.
Tragically, LaFaro passed away just ten days after those sessions, but this trio forever changed the sound of jazz with its intimate and balanced approach.
Fans of jazz continue to study and celebrate this trio's work, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and listening in music.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and South Carolina Public Radio, made possible by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina.