The Village Vanguard
New York City is still the world capital of jazz. The number of high quality jazz venues and outstanding muscians playing there is second to none.
I’m about to head to New York today for a short trip. The last time I was there, about 5-6 weeks ago, I had the opportunity, on a Sunday night, to go to my favorite of all the clubs, the legendary Village Vanguard.
The club is a tiny affair in Greenwich Village. It was founded in 1935, and became a full time jazz venue in 1957.
To get a feel of the importance of this little club, just type the name into your favorite streaming provider or online record store (or simply YouTube). You’ll find outstanding albums like Bill Evans’ legendary album Waltz For Debby , or his full set Complete At The Village Vanguard. On my blog, beyond these, I’ve also already mentioned other albums that were recorded there, like Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Enrico Pieranunzi, coincidentally all in the same blog post about 9 Outstanding Live Jazz Recordings, as well as Cecile McLorin Salvant’s Dreams and Daggers.
Fred Hersch
So, as mentioned above, I had the opportunity to see Fred Hersch live. Fred Hersch has the reputation of being one of the most intellectual of all jazz pianists. When you see him, that doesn’t surprise you, he looks somewhat like a university professor (which by the way he is as well, with former students like the above mentioned Brad Mehldau).
I’m not going to review the concert, which as usual in this fantastically intimate space, was a real pleasure, but instead point you to an album that was recorded 4 years ago in a very similar situation.
Fred Hersch Trio – Sunday Night At The Village Vanguard (Palmetto Records 2016)
This album captures very well the very typical Fred Hersch style as well as the intimate acoustics of the venue. My favorite track is For No One, a very delicate ballad.
I strongly suggest you check this album out, and obviously, if you ever get to NYC, make sure to check out what may potentially be the best jazz club on the planet, as I will most certainly do tomorrow night.
My rating: 4 stars
musicophilesblog - From Keith Jarrett to Johannes Brahms 
Have a nice stay in NYC and enjoy !
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and I suggest you another version of the track For No One (written by Paul McCartney) on the album Synesthesia by Thomas Fonnesbaek and Justin Kauflin…
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Thanks for this. Haven’t heard of it. Will check it out!
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Personally, of Fred Hersch I like Red Square Blue. Both sides of the story or (I hesitate to use the phrase, I don’t think of it much) the best of both worlds… Eh. But really a great album.
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I need to investigate Hersch more. I have only so far heard a handful of his albums. Thanks for the recommendation!
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If you don’t know about it, maybe the full name of the album would sound more intriguing. It’s “Fred Hersch
Red Square Blue: Jazz Impressions of Russian Composers”.
Needless to say I’m very far from the thought of teaching you anything, but no one can know everything 🙂
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Thanks. I have a lot to learn about Fred Hersch. That’s the beauty of this hobby even after decades of exploring there is still more to be done!
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Personally, of Fred Hersch I like Red Square Blue. Both sides of the story or (I hesitate to use the phrase, I don’t think of it much) the best of both worlds… Eh. But really a great album.
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Have you heard that McCoy Tyner passed away yesterday? He was one of the very greatest ever.
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I did indeed. Very sad. I had the pleasure of seeing him live about 20 years ago in Paris. He will be missed!
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Hope that you enjoyed the show. Pretty cool that you got to meet McCoy Tyner. A giant that many stand on the shoulders of.
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Agree. Where would Coltrane be without him? Still a fantastic soloist obviously. But would he have achieved the magic of A Love Supreme or My Favorite Things without Tyner? I doubt it
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I’ve been to a few jazz shows in NYC and yeah, you can’t beat those small clubs. Oddly I can’t recall if I’ve ever been to the Vanguard. I saw John Scofield a few years back in NY but I’ll be damned if I can remember where. Anyway, thanks for the tip. This is next in the queue.
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I think you won’t regret it. They typically really have excellent artists there.
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Oh yeah, I’ve known that forever. Just haven’t been there. I think. Nnnnmmnnmn
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