Bill Evans's return to full activity in 1962 came almost a year after his celebrated trio recordings at the Village Vanguard. Just ten days after that classic "live" session, bassist Scott LaFaro had died in a highway accident. Evans, deeply shaken, eventually reformed his trio with the same drummer (Paul Motian) and Chuck Israels on bass. Their first visit to a studio was for a dual purpose: To make an all-ballad-tempo album, Moonbeams, and this "normal" set at the same time. It was producer Orrin Keepnews's thought that recording eight slow numbers in a row might prove unduly enervating; accordingly, the total two-album repertoire was interspersed over three days of recording and the net result was two excellent additions to the Evans catalog. With Chuck Israels, Paul Motian. Tracks: How My Heart Sings, I Should Care, in Your Own Sweet Way (take 1), Walking Up, Summertime, 34 Skidoo, Ev'rything I Love, Show-Type Tune.

It did not take long after the brilliant Brazilian guitarist Bola Sete settled in San Francisco in the 1960s for an affinity to develop between him and pianist Vicne Guaraldi. Guaraldi's penchant for the music of Brazil had led to an enormous success with the hit "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" from his Black Orpheus album. These tow superb improviser skillfully avoided the muddy collision of harmony and tone that are a risk when pianists and guitarist collaborate. Their rhythmic interaction was exquisite in this classic encounter. Track list includes: "Choro," "Menimo Pequeno da Bateria," "Ginza Samba," "The Girl from Ipanema," "A Taste of Honey," "Ballad of Pancho Villam" "Little Fishes" and "Mambeando"

Recorded in '57 but not issued 'til '61 (by which time the public had caught on to the idiosyncratic genius of these two), this legendary meeting was a career highlight for both Monk and Trane. Monk's Mood (from the Thelonious Himself LP) is the bonus cut, joining Off Minor; Ruby, My Dear; Nutty; Trinkle, Tinkle, and more!

First volume of a live recording from July 1961 at The Five Spot with Eric Dolphy on alto saxophone, flute, bass clarinet and Booker Little on trumpet backed by the rhythm section of pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Ed Blackwell.