Craft One Step Vinyl Review - Bill Evans Trio - Explorations

[@kellyl9198]

Scott, thank you so much for this wonderful channel!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much Kelly! I truly appreciate your support and encouragement! That’s awesome!

[@mr.classicalmusic5607]

I love seeing the Bill Evans albums. What a fabulous jazz pianist he was. I'm looking for to your audio system videos. I love that sort of thing.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think you'll really enjoy the equipment videos I have planned. I can't wait to get started on the videos and the reviews!

[@DaveAllen-j7p]

My gateway into the magic of this trio was the pair of live Village Vanguard albums. I go back to them again and again. Like brilliant conversation, the interplay between the musicians on these recordings sparks an alchemy which elevates the music to a majestic level I've rarely experienced in any musical genre. It all comes down to being in the present, listening and thoughtful response... and being the right players in the right place at the right time. On order.

[@ThePressingMatters]

The two Vanguard albums were my first jazz albums. I agree with everything you said, and return to them often. They still reveal new delights every time I play them.

[@marktubeie07]

SOOO GLAD you mentioned _'You Must Believe In Spring'_ , it is just beautiful and the album that got me 'into' Bill Evans. Yes, towards the end of his recording career but just superb. Great Evans video Scott !!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I agree! You Must Believe In Spring may be my favorite! Its just magical.

[@ChrisMcKee-r2l]

@@marktubeie07 I agree. The Craft 45 rpm is an achingly beautiful album. One of my favorite in the Evans discography.

[@ChrisMcKee-r2l]

Thanks for the review Scott and happy new year!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for watching and have a great New Year!

[@flpuckbunny1057]

I really enjoyed watching this review of the Craft One Step Vinyl of the Bill Evans Trio's album Explorations. The vinyl looks and sounds amazing, and it's great to see a detailed breakdown of its packaging and sound quality. Bill Evans' music is timeless and this review does a great job of capturing the essence of his iconic jazz sound. I definitely want to add this vinyl to my collection after watching this video.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks, I really appreciate the kind words!

[@kellyl9198]

I’ve never met a Bill Evans recording I did not love. This is no exception. Thanks for covering it!

[@ThePressingMatters]

It's funny, and I mentioned, that at first, I thought the different studio albums sounded so similar. But as I listened further, I found that each is very unique in its way. Of course, they are all instantly recognizable as a Bill Evans record. He's such a distinctive and singular artist.

[@kellyl9198]

@ Agreed. Bill Evans was my entry into jazz. His tasteful approach, never over playing but just enough, and the subtlety of his playing is always just right. Through him I learned to understand and appreciate Miles and Cannonball and the other cast of characters he played with over the years.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think my path was similar, in fact Sunday At The Billage Vanguard may have been my first jazz album.

[@dank.6942]

Thanks Scott! Good stuff as always. I too have gotten much more selective of late and I had this in my shopping cart, and then truly unexpectedly found a NM copy of an OJC version from 1982 at my local shop for a great price, so i ended up passing on it. Agree with everything you said about the music. Everybody loves Bill Evans!

[@ThePressingMatters]

You're right, that OJC is likely a wonderful listen.

[@toddbromgard5211]

Thanks for the video. I purchased this too and whole heartedly recommend it. My only gripe is the font in the essay is impossibly small and cannot be easily read. I had to take a picture of it with my iPhone so I could read it.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Todd! Yes, it's crazy how small it is. An expanded booklet would have been welcome. Great record though! Thanks for your thoughts on it!

[@audiophileman7047]

Bill Evans is definitely one of the greatest golden age small group jazz artists, and every jazz fan should have at least some of his music in their collection. 😻Something like this Explorations release is very very tempting, but shelf space usually wins out over my temptation. I have the Evans high spots on vinyl and one or two on CD. Sunday At The Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby are the ones to have without a doubt; the OJC's of those recordings are outstanding! 😻 Yesterday I saw a promo from AS on the AP/QRP version of Donny Hathaway's self-titled album. Until I saw that promo and auditioned that album, I didn't know him. His premature death may be the reason why. My God, this man deserves to be remembered; he was just so incredibly gifted and good. 😻I hope that you review one of Hathaway's records this year. Happy New Year! 👍👍👍

[@ThePressingMatters]

I need to audition that record! I only know hon from his collaboration with Roberta Flack.

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters Like artists such as Hank Williams Sr., Charlie Parker, Buddy Holly, etc., Donny Hathaway is a tragic figure who died very young due to severe mental illness in the form of paranoid-schizophrenia. He was once described as the most important soul/R&B artist since Ray Charles. I listened to the self-titled album and just loved it. I highly recommend checking him out. He's an absolute treasure who very sadly left us way too soon. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@davidcorp7701]

And excellent read, that will give valuable insight into the life and genius of Bill Evans: 3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and the Lost Empire of Cool James Kaplan Available in print and audio book.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome, I would love to read it! Thanks!

[@audiotomb]

Thanks for the nice review Scott. I feel your passion. I have the Craft One Step Guaraldi Black Orpheus, Getz/Gilberto and Monk(my favorite) - all are nice but I’ve been trying to focus away from spending big money on diminishing returns in sonic upgrades and more towards listening to things I already own. I have several copies of Explorations including the AP 45 rpm version in the Riverside Box Set which sounds fantastic. It would be great to own a 33 1/3 to relax to an entire side WCB Jazz Vinyl did a great youtube review comparing the AP box and an original. You can scroll to the juicy parts. He thought the Craft was more nuanced and very highly recommended

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you! I wish I had heard the AP 45 or original. Sometimes I have to tailor the review without comparisons of course. I imagine the AP might be a better-sounding record overall. I may have a chance to find out soon. I completely understand not chasing the next edition, especially when it's pricy and you have a great one already. Since I didn't have it at all, I splurged a bit! I like to cover these for the channel at any rate. Thanks for watching and commenting. Wishing you a great 2025!

[@audiotomb]

I thought your review was very insightful and aligns with WCB - (a great jazz vinyl reviewer worth checking out) who preferred it to the AP. You can’t always listen to the gauntlet of recordings - especially in your new undertaking. I bought the Evans UHQRs - they were worthy but I could have been more than content with what I had.I might consider getting this Craft 1S - two words Lafaro and Motion. Enjoy the equipment and music flowing through your home in the upcoming months. Looking forward to your system wiring explorations

[@audiotomb]

I just pulled out my copy of Explorations for a late night listen, thanks. I like hearing about your journey through Bill Evans. There is a 1980 Bill Evans performance Turn Out The Stars (Live at VV) done with Marc Johnson on bass slightly before Bill’s death. Only released as a cd boxset but if it ever makes vinyl it is a must buy for me.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Sounds interesting. I haven't heard anything that late in his career yet.

[@audiotomb]

he has a resurgence with this trio. Marc Johnson had a telepathic virtuoso lock with him in the vein of Scott Lafaro

[@raywelsh5335]

Happy New Year Scott! I haven't got any of Bill Evans music outside of my UHQR Kind of Blue and my recent Christmas present to myself, Birth of the Blue. He sounds amazing on both of those records, so I'll have to delve into him a bit more. I have been focussed on getting those Living Stereo's you have been talking about and luckily managed to find a local record store that had a number of the AP re -issues all around the $100 NZD price. See you on the livestream mate.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome, definitely an artist to explore. So many beautiful records. That UHQR is wonderful. Nice present! Smart move on the Libing Stereo. They are really vanishing.

[@chrislj2890]

I think that was me who was really happy with your recommendation of "Moonbeams", and I also just got 'Portrait In Jazz" which is also a great one. I'm getting ready to order "Waltz For Debbie" which for some reason I thought I already had. I love Bill Evans playing, and it always makes me feel like I'm flowing in a stream of liquid, if that makes any sense. Another jazz pianist I really like is Vince Guaraldi, who unfortunately passed away much too soon. I'm not going to get this new one, but I'm glad it's available.

[@ThePressingMatters]

That's right! I had forgotten who had purchased it. What do you think about Portrait In Jazz? I was thinking I should have it in the store, but I didn't intend to get one since I have the One Step of that one.

[@chrislj2890]

@@ThePressingMatters Oh sure, I think the Riverside pressing of "Portrait In Jazz" is worth having and it's affordable. Now I'm not as critical a listener as you but I'm glad I have it. Keep up the interesting suggestions.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I would think its hard to screw up that record! Differences might boil down to the vinyl quality.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

The no step version blows this away!!@ You can hear the chair squeak in the other room and can hear Bill blinking

[@ThePressingMatters]

No way! Catalogue number please! :-)

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@ThePressingMatters It's a No step, so it has No catalogue number. Catalogue numbers are for the weak The No step is so rare and sort after that we use encrypted encryption, i shouldn't even be talking about it, you may not hear from me again.

[@ThePressingMatters]

😂

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@ThePressingMatters Gee I can come up with some crap 🤣

[@ThePressingMatters]

All in good fun!

[@tonynewman1694]

Happy new year Scott looking forward to more great reviews 😁. These Craft one steps releases don't reach the UK .

[@ThePressingMatters]

Happy New Year! I'm sure there is a decent alternative, maybe a regular OJC. I didn't compare but who knows?? It could be close!

[@MichaelRMarshall1]

Thanks for the review (and overview!) of this album and Bill Evans. As you know, I transitioned to hi-rez/immersive formats (SACD, DTS, Blu-ray) and I do have this release (and the 2 live releases) on SACD and it does sound wonderful! When this Craft One Step was initially advertised, I bought/pre-ordered a copy for my best friend. I am looking forward to hearing it on his system as well as heating the differences and similarities between it and my SACD. Cheers!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'll be very curious, as I had no comparisons for this video, and its really shooting in the dark.

[@MichaelRMarshall1]

@ThePressingMatters Ever since my best friend was gifted his step father's late 70's era Thornez turntable, I have really enjoyed showing him how to shop and find quality used vinyl. Most of my music listening life (from age 4 onwards until 2015 when I had my near fatal auto correct) has been on the analog front end of things and I still miss my Linn LP-12. That being said, I have really enjoyed getting back into the record bins and finding the "hidden gems" and helping /guiding him along on this journey. I am surprised how much I have enjoyed listening to records again and, so far, I have NOT encountered any jealousy on my part (vinyl envy, yes!). I love my current collection and set-up but there really isn't anything quite like records and ALL that they encompass...Cheers!

[@ThePressingMatters]

That's cool that you are still enjoying vinyl on some level. Your friend has a good guide! I hope he's subscribed to the channel 😁!

[@MichaelRMarshall1]

@@ThePressingMatters I am still trying to educate him as to why he doesn't need to buy records just because he thinks "well, why not for $2 bucks at Goodwill"...I have to remind him that albums that are NOT in good shape can do permanent damage to a needle/stylus. Staggers the imagination especially when he can see/hear the difference between the vinyl I have "gifted" him and some of the beat up crap he has bought since getting his table. Only then could he appreciate your channel but I will continue trying!

[@ThePressingMatters]

He’ll get it at some point!

[@jeffbellin8224]

Happy New Year, Scott! I, too, bought this (with my own dollars), and it's the only copy I own. As music, it's no doubt wonderful. But I was less taken with the sound of this reissue than you. It's liquid and warm, that's true. But all the instruments lack some lower weight, and they're missing some air on top. And in terms of balance, it can be a bit inconsistent. LaFaro's bass can sometimes barely be heard and lacks some of the percussive pluck to rhythmically define his notes, and Motion's drums and brushes are sometimes a bit buried. Contrast this with what you hear on the couple of pressings of Sunday At The Village Vanguard, where each instrument is in more equal balance with each other. This latter aspect is important with a Bill Evans Trio, where all three instruments are of equal musical importance. Occasionally, such as when LaFaro or Motion have a solo, they'll appear equally prominent, but otherwise Evans' piano tends to somewhat dominate in the soundstage. Now given that it's my only copy, I couldn't say whether it's in the recording or in this particular mastering. But reading posts on the Steve Hoffman Forum from those who have several copies of this, the new Craft 1Step is not generally considered being the best of them, and at >$100 when all is said and done, not a great bang for the buck. So again for me, the music is great, the vinyl whisper quiet, centered and flat, but the sound, while inoffensive, is lacking in some dynamic presence and weight, as well as some air. I give it this reissue, overall, 'B'.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Jeff, Great analysis, thank you. I would have liked to hear the 45 from the set, just to have some reference. I'm happy with this but I hear what you are describing. It may in fact not be the top copy but I am content with how well its done. Maybe I can borrow a 45 from one of my friends and see how it stacks up.

[@chrisirwin8998]

@@ThePressingMattersI’m in Kendall and go to FIU every day. Happy to lend you the AP45.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for offering, Chris! I will let you know if I get a spot to do the comparison.

[@davidpetersen7091]

Scott, You just cost me another hundred bucks. Happy New Year! Mr. Pete---------> aging hippie

[@ThePressingMatters]

Now, don't make me feel guilty 😁.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Happy New Year!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Happy New Year! Get your wallet ready!

[@jeffreywoodke]

Listened to Moon Beams this morning lol. Yeah this One Step is fantastic! I also nabbed it. Wonder when Chad is announcing the releases for this year’s Verve series?

[@ThePressingMatters]

I hope its soon! I have really loved that series. Its just about perfect, and often discounted in Amazon if you are patient!

[@davidgow9457]

Interesting video. I am getting a bit sceptical about record companies reissuing the same artists and material at ever increasing prices. They sell but there is so much music out there to discover that it would be good if companies tried something a bit different. I am a big fan of Bill Evans and a vinyl collector but there is a limit to how much Evans I want.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I agree and understand. I think this trend has slowed down a bit, and I bypassed a lot of these high-priced releases compared to four years ago. Fortunately, there are usually decent alternatives out there. I'll do it for a favorite artist to album. In this case, I did not have the title in any form, so I went for it. I love Bill Evans but I might be reaching a point where expanding my collection of other artists will be my desire going forward.

[@rcpsammy7186]

I've got about 25 albums in the last month, and this is the one that's been the standout for me. Of course I have a different pressing, but this one is simply gorgeous. I've been playing this issue a lot. When mine came, I had a bit of a problem. I pulled the album out and the glossy cover was scuffed all over. I don't know how it could have passed inspection. Qc is an issue that needs to be addressed. I emailed Craft. Told them the record is great, the outside box is great. Everything is great but the album cover is bad. I asked them if they could help me out and send me the album cover. That's all I need. They responded saying they were sending me the whole album again! So, I have two copies. I'll keep the replacement sealed. Number 310...lower than my first copy. Craft did me right. And the album is sublime.

[@ThePressingMatters]

How about that! That's great customer service! They helped me out once too (see my miles Davis relaxiN vid) It had a knife slash across the beautiful slipcase. Glad to hear you liked the sound too.

[@amosperrine1909]

Thanks, how about a vid on those LPs you have found to be too bright, and the likely rationale behind them. Is it a mastering engineer thing, the label or perhaps even the pressing plant. Peace out.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Almost all of my Rhino Hi-Fi videos allude to this. I think it's a company or series mandate. Kevin doesn't usually master in that way. Good idea for a video on the subject! Thanks!

[@celtic-audiophile]

The InGroove just got a restock of 5 of the LS titles. I have a lot of BE, inc both of the UHQR versions this one hasn’t made the U.K., so it’s in my AP basket waiting on this review to confirm or not

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think if you don't already have the 45 from the box set, this is a solid recommendation. I'll check the In Groove on those LS titles! Thanks!

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

It just seems like such an oxymoron for a musician producing such peaceful jazz to have a heroin addiction. Wrongly I expected that kind of thing with other genres. I guess it just shows that addiction is addiction. 😢

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, very prevelant in jazz circles at the time unfortunately. Its amazing Th hat the work Evans did never seemed to suffer.

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

@ I now recall addiction issues involving John Coltrane.

[@idoireallydo]

Motian is pronounced as in "motion".

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for the correction.

[@idoireallydo]

​@@ThePressingMatters I also learned this through "Motian in Motion" very, very recently.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I guess I've never heard anyone pronounce it. Thanks again. Learning as I go!

[@Piotr-d8n9x]

Zoo

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for watching!

[@timkolacny967]

The quality control on this pressing was a little lacking. I saw where several people had to return their copy because it was so scratched up. My copy is not scratched, but does have a couple scuff marks from handling at the factory. Its also quite noisy for a One-Step pressing, even after repeated cleanings on my ultrasonic. And I don't mean the tape noise that is noticeable on this album, I specifically mean the quality of the vinyl. That, plus the mediocre jacket adds up to this being a little disappointing for a $100 release. Still a wonderful sounding album, but the quality should be better for the price.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for your comments Tim, I guess I was lucky with my copy, (though I will examine it closely when I get home) because I had no issues that were audible. Pretty much dead silent. Believe me, I would have been making a fuss about it. For $100, we deserve a perfect record. Anyone who got something less must ask for replacement.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I did think the jacket was of better quality than the first Craft One Steps. Some early ones did not have gloss and weight.