This compilation contains Evans'' first 12 albums as leader covering the years 1956 when he recorded and released his debut record New Jazz Conceptions featuring the original version of his most covered track ''Waltz For Debby'' through to his seminal Empathy album in 1962, his first for the Verve label (after finally getting out of his contract with Riverside) and a collaboration with drummer Shelly Manne. Generally considered in jazz circles as the period in which Evans'' star shone brightest and the era of his finest work, this 6 CD set is as close to the perfect Bill Evans collection as is currently available.