The “Live at The Village Vanguard” franchise represents a prestigious series of jazz recordings captured at the iconic Village Vanguard club in New York City.

The venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics, has hosted some of the most significant names in jazz since its opening in 1935. The “Live at The Village Vanguard” recordings have become synonymous with high-quality live jazz performances, and many albums recorded there are considered landmarks in jazz history. Here are some notable albums from this franchise:

1. Bill Evans – “Sunday at the Village Vanguard” (1961)
   • This classic album features the Bill Evans Trio with Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums. It’s often cited as one of the greatest live jazz recordings of all time.
2. John Coltrane – “Live at the Village Vanguard” (1961)
   • Featuring performances by Coltrane with Eric Dolphy, McCoy Tyner, Reggie Workman, and Elvin Jones, this album captures Coltrane’s exploration of modal jazz and avant-garde sounds.
3. Sonny Rollins – “A Night at the Village Vanguard” (1957)
   • This double album showcases Rollins’ tenor saxophone with Wilbur Ware on bass and Elvin Jones on drums, highlighting his improvisational prowess.
4. Art Pepper – “Thursday Night at the Village Vanguard” (1977)
   • Part of a series of recordings made by the alto saxophonist Art Pepper at the Village Vanguard, this album features George Cables, George Mraz, and Elvin Jones.
5. Joe Lovano – “Quartets: Live at the Village Vanguard” (1995)
   • This double album features Lovano’s performances with different quartets, including musicians like Tom Harrell, Mulgrew Miller, and Lewis Nash.
6. Wynton Marsalis – “Live at the Village Vanguard” (1999)
   • This seven-disc box set captures a week of performances by Marsalis’ septet, showcasing the group’s versatility and Marsalis’ trumpet virtuosity.
7. Fred Hersch – “Sunday Night at the Vanguard” (2016)
   • This album by pianist Fred Hersch features John Hébert on bass and Eric McPherson on drums, offering a mix of originals and standards.
8. Jason Moran – “Black Stars” (2001)
   • Featuring the innovative pianist Jason Moran with Sam Rivers and Nasheet Waits, this album blends modern jazz with avant-garde elements.

These recordings are just a few highlights from the extensive catalog of live albums recorded at the Village Vanguard. Each captures a unique moment in jazz history, showcasing the talents of the genre’s greatest musicians in an intimate and revered setting.