Bill Evans- California Here I Come (Verve Vault Series)

Label: Verve

Reissued 10/9/2026, Originally released 1982

Six years after the legendary live sets that yielded two of Bill Evans' best-loved albums for Riverside, Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby, the influential jazz pianist returned to the same Manhattan jazz club for two nights in 1967, in a rare trio setting with Eddie Gomez on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. The recordings were compiled on the perhaps confusingly titled double album, California Here I Come, in 1982, issued two years after Evans' passing. Despite the perceived coastal mix-up, one thing is clear: Evans and his rhythm section were in fine form, delivering unbridled spirit, rhythmic fire and high-energy interplay with each other on readings of standards like, "'Round Midnight," "In a Sentimental Mood," "Stella by Starlight," and the then-new Bacharach/David standout "Alfie."

Track listing:

1. California Here I Come
   
2. Polka Dots and Moonbeams
   
3. Turn Out the Stars
   
4. Stella By Starlight
   
5. You're Gonna Hear from Me
   
6. In a Sentimental Mood
   
7. G Waltz
   
8. Green Dolphin Street
   
9. Gone with the Wind
   
10. If You Could See Me Now
    
11. Alfie
    
12. Very Early
    
13. 'Round Midnight
    
14. Emily
    
15. Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams