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Albums First Released in 1961

Live recordings and tightly connected small groups gave jazz albums a new sense of place in 1961. Notable albums first released in 1961 include Sunday at the Village Vanguard by The Bill Evans Trio, Eastern Sounds by Yusef Lateef, My Favorite Things by John Coltrane and Breakfast at Tiffany's by Henry Mancini.

1961 preserved the sound of working bands in rooms rather than studios alone. Jazz also absorbed modal ideas and non-Western influences, while film music became a major part of the LP market.

Browse new vinyl editions alongside second-hand copies.

Our Pick of the Year: Sunday at the Village Vanguard by The Bill Evans Trio

Sunday at the Village Vanguard captures Bill Evans, Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian listening and responding to one another in real time. The trio avoids a simple soloist-and-accompaniment hierarchy, especially on Gloria's Step and Alice in Wonderland. LaFaro died shortly after the session, giving the recording added historical weight without changing its musical clarity.

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1960 Vinyl Records  |  1962 Vinyl Records  |  All years