On February 4, 2020, Fred Hersch graced the Village Vanguard with a trio performance featuring bassist John Hébert and drummer Eric McPherson. This engagement was part of a series of performances at the iconic New York venue, where Hersch has a longstanding history of recording live albums, including "Alive at the Village Vanguard" with Esperanza Spalding in 2018. (en.wikipedia.org)
At that time, Hersch was touring in support of his album "Begin Again," released in 2019. The album showcases his collaboration with the WDR Big Band, arranged and conducted by Vince Mendoza, and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition for the title track. (wvxu.org)
The trio's performance on February 4, 2020, was notable for its cohesive interplay and the depth of Hersch's compositions. Hébert and McPherson's contributions provided a solid foundation, allowing Hersch's improvisations to flourish. This collaboration underscored the trio's ability to blend Hersch's intricate melodies with the rhythmic nuances of Hébert and McPherson, creating a memorable evening of jazz at the Vanguard.