Bill Evans Trio* – Explorations

Have just got this one.
Warped as hell, quality control is bad.
Same as the Monk small batch arrived the same, defected.

One of my favourite Evans albums. I wanted a more contemporary vinyl version and for the time being this will do.
The record is very quiet after a good cleaning. So quiet that it could be mistaken for a CD. That is also because the recording while sounding ok is clearly the result of cutting (maybe using DMM, I wouldn't bet on it) from some digital files (allegedly licensed from MS but I wouldn't bet on that either). Not CD directly but digital files. And for someone who made audio CDs from mp3s in the past this will be apparent. There is a harshness in the sound that is unmistakable. Again, in general it sounds ok. Like a well done home made CD. But it is only a "home made record" and it shows.
For casual or lounge listening in the background on a usual TT it is a very good choice. Not so for a Hi-fi careful listening though.
So for those with budget constraints or just discovering Bill Evans' music or who like to have some nice dinner background music on vinyl (to impress guests) it is a good option.
But those with high audio expectations, audiophiles or just hi-fi stereophiles, might want to look for legit versions.

Amazing sounding copy... no background noise... in my setup it sounds better than any uhqr record i own...

Mine sounds wonderful as well. Got this OJC LP at the beginning of my collecting career back in 1996 or so and it shaped what I would get into later in life. Great album

I have owned a very nice OJC copy of this for years and quite enjoyed it and still do, BUT this pressing lets you feel the music to a greater degree, you get a greater sense of the push and pull between the three of them, well worth the price, excellent!

Someone bought this for $300 (CAN) on discogs when it's still available and in stock for $99 (CAN) on the Craft website....ouch. *facepalm* a fool and his money are quick to part...

Mine sounds really good. There is a very slight dirt that is only noticeable in silence, but it is really very wide, dynamic and precise. Maybe a little dark. I expected something bad and instead I was pleasantly surprised. I actually have no other versions to compare and my system is nothing big deal, but it is a very enjoyable listening. without obvious flaws.

Just got this today. My copy is dead silent. Maybe because it's a repress? Anyway, sounds absolutely amazing. It's like being in the room with them.

I don’t leave many reviews but I felt the need to state that my first copy had inexcusable surface noise on both sides. I know QC these days isn’t great so I try to be a little forgiving, decided to get a replacement and it had the exact same issue. Returned and will not be seeking out another.

Beautiful quiet pressing and perfectly balanced to me. Bill's piano is the focus of the attention here with the bass and the drums just where they need to be, not out front but with him ing him in his work of art. The only problem I have is, why bother with the slip case. Craft numbers the case and includes the sealed album not numbered; why not number the album jacket and do way with the case.