Craft One Step Vinyl Review - Bill Evans Trio - Explorations
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Exploring More Bill Evans Trio Releases
My journey into jazz started in earnest just a few years ago—coinciding with the launch of my channel. Among my greatest discoveries was the music of Bill Evans. I found his work incredibly accessible and compelling. As the saying goes, "Everybody digs Bill Evans," and I certainly do! In this post, I'll share some of the Bill Evans Trio albums I’ve collected and discuss why I was so eager to get my hands on the latest Craft One-Step pressing of Explorations.
A Look at Some Notable Releases
One of my most treasured Bill Evans albums is You Must Believe in Spring. I reviewed it a while back and still find it to be a phenomenal release. This Craft Recordings edition is a two-record 45 RPM set, and I highly recommend it. Another cornerstone of my collection is Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby, both in various editions. The Original Jazz Classics (OJC) versions from Craft are excellent, while I also have earlier pressings, such as the Alto Analogue edition of Sunday at the Village Vanguard and the Analog Productions version of Waltz for Debby, both of which are fantastic.
For those looking to add Bill Evans records to their collection, I have several of these available in my storefront, including a standard OJC pressing of Sunday at the Village Vanguard, which is a great value at around $17-$20. A viewer recently bought it based on my recommendation and loved it, which is always great to hear!
In addition to the Village Vanguard recordings, I’ve been enjoying Trio 65 and Trio 64 from the Acoustic Sounds Jazz Series. Both of these albums offer stunning sound quality. I also have Bill Evans in collaboration with other legendary musicians, including Cannonball Adderley and Miles Davis, which adds further depth to his discography.
The Craft One-Step Explorations
As a dedicated Bill Evans fan, I was eager to pick up the new Craft One-Step pressing of Explorations. The packaging is exquisite, featuring a black foil-embossed jacket with inset artwork and an actual fabric linen cover. My copy is numbered 2139, and I purchased it myself—no promo copy here! At around $100, it’s not a cheap release, but I’ve found the Craft One-Step series to be consistently worth the investment.
Mastered by Bernie Grundman from the original master tapes and pressed on VR900 vinyl at RTI, the pressing quality is impeccable. The heavy Tip-On jacket with a gloss finish adds to the premium feel. The new printed inner sleeves are a nice touch, and the translucent vinyl hints at the ultra-quiet playing surface that these one-step pressings provide. The included essay on the mastering process is informative, though I must admit, the print is getting smaller—or maybe my eyesight is just deteriorating!
The Music and Performance
Recorded in 1961, Explorations was the second studio album by the iconic trio of Bill Evans (piano), Scott LaFaro (bass), and Paul Motian (drums). This trio went on to release two legendary live albums—Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby—before Scott LaFaro’s tragic passing. Evans later formed other trios, including one with Gary Peacock and Paul Motian, but his musical vision remained the constant thread tying everything together.
When I first started listening to Bill Evans, I thought many of his albums sounded similar. However, as I delved deeper, I began to appreciate the unique beauty of each recording. The interplay within this trio is remarkable—there’s an almost telepathic connection between the musicians. LaFaro’s bass solos are breathtakingly detailed and engaging, and despite some reported tensions during the recording (due to Evans’ heroin addiction at the time), the professionalism and artistry shine through.
The album features eight tracks, including favorites like "Israel," "Haunted Heart," "Beautiful Love," "Elsa," and "Nardis" (a Miles Davis composition). Each piece showcases Evans' signature sound—delicate, introspective, and deeply emotional.
Final Thoughts
This Craft One-Step pressing of Explorations is, in my opinion, a perfect release. The piano tone is beautifully balanced, the bass is rich without being overpowering, and the top end is natural without any harshness. Bernie Grundman’s mastering is tastefully done, avoiding the overly bright sound that plagues some modern remasterings.
At this point, I’m being more selective about expanding my collection. I don’t drop $100 on a record without careful consideration. I want my purchases to be "endgame" copies—final versions that I’ll treasure for a lifetime. And with Explorations, I’ve found just that. This will remain a cherished part of my collection, an album I’ll return to time and again.
If you're a fan of Bill Evans or looking to experience one of the greatest jazz trios in history, this album is a must-have. Whether in its standard form or this premium Craft One-Step edition, Explorations stands as one of the finest jazz records ever made.
