A beloved live album from jazz piano icon Bill Evans is coming back into print. Set for release on Oct. 9, California, Here I Come is the latest entry in the Verve Vault Series, Verve’s all-analog reissue program reviving classic titles, cut from the original master tapes by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound and pressed on 180-gram vinyl. The album is available for pre-order now, limited to four per customer.
Somewhat confusingly, Evans cut California, Here I Come not on the West Coast but in New York. The album compiles recordings from across two nights at the legendary Village Vanguard in 1967, six years after his pair of treasured Riverside releases from the same venue, Sunday At The Village Vanguard and Waltz For Debby. It’s a crucial chapter in Evans’ history with the Vanguard, one of the most storied locales in the worldwide jazz landscape.
Performing in a rare trio setting with Eddie Gómez on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums, Evans brought his approachable yet virtuosic touch to 15 songs, including standards like “Round Midnight,” “In A Sentimental Mood,” and “Stella By Starlight” and the Bacharach/David favorite “Alfie,” a new addition to the canon at the time. The tracklist begins with “California, Here I Come,” the pop standard by Bud DeSylva, Joseph Meyer, and Al Jolson, originating from the Broadway production of Bombo starring Jolson, which gives the album its name.
California, Here I Come was first issued in 1982, two years after Evans’ death. The album stands as a document of a titan at the peak of his freewheeling powers, joining forces with fellow talents to bridge the familiar and exploratory in joyous fashion. It’s a reminder of why Evans stands as one of history’s most popular and influential jazz pianists, merging a genius-level understanding of music theory with a friendly, conversational approach to the instrument.
