The song of the day for Saturday, December 30, 2017 is “Waltz for Debby.”

About This Song

Bill Evans composed this song in 1956, soon after leaving the armed services. He wrote it for his young niece, Debby, the daughter of his brother Harold. With the lyrics by Gene Lees, “Waltz For Debby” became a standard for jazz and popular singers.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “Waltz for Debby” in 1975 for their first album: The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album. Bennett had previously recorded the song in 1964 for the album Who Can I Turn To.

” Waltz for Debby,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album, is available from iTunes.

About Today

For our video today, I have the Bill Evans Trio, featuring Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums, playing “Waltz for Debby.” The recording was most from 1960 or the first half of 1961. Scott LaFaro died in an automobile accident in July 1961; his death was a true blow for Evans, who stopped performing for several months afterwards.

It’s a long weekend, so if you do have some time to listen, I strong recommend the Trio’s live album from their appearance at the Village Vanguard, recorded less than two weeks before LaFaro died. My highlights include “Alice in Wonderland,” (especially the second take) “Some Other Time” and, of course, “Waltz for Debby.”