The new 5LP box set from Craft Recordings showcasing Bill Evans’ revered 1959–61 trio with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian is a deep, rewarding listen on multiple levels. For audiophiles chasing the most faithful presentation of these sessions, the restoration handled through Jaime Howarth’s Plangent Processes may come as a revelation. More on that in a moment…
From official press materials we learn: “Now, Craft Recordings honors this inimitable trio through Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings—a brand new collection that, for the very first time, collects the complete recording studio output by Evans’ “Classic Trio.” Anchoring this 5-LP, 180-gram vinyl collection (also available in a 3-CD set and standard/hi-res digital) are the trio’s two acclaimed original studio albums, Portrait in Jazz (1960) and Explorations (1961), both of which benefit from meticulous audio restoration by Plangent Processes. Three additional LPs feature 26 breathtaking alternate takes and outtakes from these famed sessions—17 of which have never been released—offering rare insight into the trio’s innovative creative process.” Lacquers for the vinyl edition were cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio.
This Bill Evans Trio music featured here includes the original albums Portrait in Jazz (1960) and Explorations (1961), both essential listening. The many alternate takes offer insights into the group’s groundbreaking evolution of spontaneous, collective improvisation. It all plays so beautifully, effectively a parallel universe version of the music.
Earlier this year, in another publication, I reviewed Craft Recordings’ excellent “Small Batch” edition of The Bill Evans Trio’s Explorations. In that piece, I noted audible tape speed issues, particularly on “Haunted Heart,” and raised the question of whether Plangent Processes technology might be able to correct them.
I was especially pleased to learn of this new Plangent restoration, and the new version of “Haunted Heart” sounds wonderful in ways I had only hoped for: steadier, more in tune, and more grounded. That stability lets the trio’s performance shine without the tape transport issues that once held it back, whether from motor speed fluctuations, voltage swings, or aging tape. The music now feels more resonant and lifelike across the entire collection. The vinyl pressing quality is also excellent — quiet, well centered, and made in Germany, likely at Optimal.
Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings presents this freshly restored legendary music with equally fresh-looking packaging, a mid-century modern vibe which complements the future-forward music. Each LP is housed in a sturdy cardboard inner sleeve, modeled after what I imagine might have been internal-use-only, archival studio storage from the period (again, I am just guessing here, but it sure looks way cool!). The vinyl discs are further protected with a plastic inner baggy which easily fits in the cardboard sleeve.
The original cover designs are only represented by printed full color, two-sided slip sheets including original liner notes. I acknowledge that purists may balk at these design choices but you can still find reissues of the 1960-61 covers relatively easily these days. For those just looking for the best sounding representation of this music, Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings may be a strong option, especially for the price.
The choice is yours: great sounding but ultimately imperfect analog purity of original pressings (and all prior reissues) or the more fine tuned presentation of the music restored via Plangent Processes as contained in Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings.
Where to buy: $132 at Amazon | Craft Recordings
Mark Smotroff is a deep music enthusiast / collector who has also worked in entertainment oriented marketing communications for decades supporting the likes of DTS, Sega and many others. He reviews vinyl for Analog Planet and has written for Audiophile Review, Sound+Vision, Mix, EQ, etc. You can learn more about him at LinkedIn.
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