"Sunday Night at the Vanguard" is a captivating live jazz album by the Fred Hersch Trio, recorded at the iconic Village Vanguard in New York City on March 27, 2016. This album showcases the trio's exceptional musicianship and their ability to create a dynamic and engaging live performance. The album features Fred Hersch on piano, John Hébert on bass, and Eric McPherson on drums, delivering a set of original compositions and reinterpretations of classic pieces.
The album opens with "A Cockeyed Optimist," a lively and upbeat track that sets the tone for the rest of the performance. "Serpentine" and "The Optimum Thing" highlight the trio's harmonic exploration and intricate interplay, while "Calligram" and "Blackwing Palomino" showcase their lyrical and melodic sensibilities. The trio also pays tribute to The Beatles with a soulful rendition of "For No One," and concludes the album with the enchanting "Encore: Valentine."
"Sunday Night at the Vanguard" earned the Fred Hersch Trio a Grammy Award nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the genre. With a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a testament to the trio's prowess and their ability to captivate audiences with their live performances. Released on August 12, 2016, by Palmetto Records, this album is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and anyone appreciating exceptional musicianship.