Bill Evans Trio – Moon Beams (2025 Original Jazz Classics Reissue) Review

LINK TO FULL VIDEO

Today I’m taking a close look at the newly released Original Jazz Classics (OJC) reissue of Moon Beams by the Bill Evans Trio—a record that holds an unmistakable mood of introspection and quiet beauty.

I had originally planned to film this in the morning, but a dark, rainy backdrop outside my window actually set the perfect scene for talking about this album. The atmosphere of Moon Beams mirrors that same rainy-day melancholy, like watching watercolor paint run down glass—soft, contemplative, and quietly moving.

The Story Behind Moon Beams

This album marked Bill Evans' return after the tragic loss of his bassist Scott LaFaro. That loss profoundly affected Evans, and you can hear the emotional depth in this recording. Chuck Israels steps in on bass, with Paul Motian on drums, and together they create a reflective, deeply felt session that stands apart in Evans' catalog.

The opening track, “Re: Person I Knew”, immediately sets the tone. There’s a passage where Israels steps forward with a bass solo while Evans drifts in the background—his piano playing sounding almost like a distant thought, a daydream. It’s moments like these that define the haunting quality of the record.

The 1990 OJC Reissue

For years, I’ve recommended the 1990 OJC reissue as a budget-friendly way to enjoy this classic. It was mastered by Phil De Lancie and has often been rumored to have digital elements. Sonically, it actually holds up well—warm and atmospheric, but the pressing quality leaves something to be desired. Even after cleaning, it suffered from soft ticks that broke the spell this music tries to cast. The flimsy jacket also didn’t help its case.

The 2025 Kevin Gray OJC Reissue

Enter the new 2025 Original Jazz Classics edition, mastered by Kevin Gray. From the first needle drop, it's clear this is on another level. The piano has more sparkle, the bass is deeper yet tighter, and the overall soundstage breathes with air and space. It retains the mood and sensitivity but adds dimension, clarity, and—importantly—a dead silent pressing that lets the music speak without distraction.

The presentation is also miles ahead: a glossy, heavyweight tip-on jacket, faithful label reproduction, and a quiet, beautifully pressed record.

Final Thoughts

Moon Beams is one of the most emotionally resonant albums in the Bill Evans catalog. It’s an album for reflective moments—soft, moody, and transcendent. The new OJC pressing captures all of this beautifully and, in my opinion, surpasses the older versions in every way that matters: sound, pressing, and presentation.

If you’re a Bill Evans fan or just beginning to explore his world, this is the edition to get. Highly recommended.