Craft Recordings announced Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings, a definitive new collection honoring pianist Bill Evans and his groundbreaking “Classic Trio” with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. Arriving November 21 in 5-LP, 3-CD, and digital formats, the set assembles—for the first time ever—the trio’s complete studio recordings, including Portrait in Jazz (1960), Explorations (1961), and a treasure trove of alternate takes and outtakes, 17 of which have never been released.
Produced by Nick Phillips and mastered by GRAMMY® Award-winner Paul Blakemore, the collection features meticulous audio restoration by Plangent Processes, with lacquers cut by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio). The deluxe vinyl box includes rare photos, new artwork, a fold-out poster, and insightful liner notes: an introduction by John Densmore of The Doors (who recalls sneaking into Shelly’s Manne-Hole as a teenager to witness the trio), plus new commentary by noted jazz writer Eugene Holley Jr.
Formed in 1959 after Evans’ pivotal role on Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, the Evans–LaFaro–Motian trio redefined the jazz piano trio format. With LaFaro’s guitar-like fluency on bass and Motian’s textural drumming, the group elevated interplay to an art of collective improvisation. Their collaboration, though lasting just 20 months, transformed the landscape of modern jazz.
Evans himself reflected:
“What gave that trio its character was a common aim and a feeling of potential. The music developed as we performed… The objective was to achieve the result in a responsible way.”
This new set includes the original albums Portrait in Jazz and Explorations in newly restored sound, along with 27 alternate takes and outtakes presented in session order. Among them are never-before-heard versions of “Witchcraft,” “Spring Is Here,” “Elsa,” “Haunted Heart,” and “How Deep Is the Ocean.” Listeners will also discover an early take of “Walking Up” (later on How My Heart Sings!), as well as the trio’s interpretation of “The Boy Next Door” from Meet Me in St. Louis.
These studio recordings, combined with the trio’s legendary live albums (Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby), capture the essence of one of jazz’s most influential ensembles. Though LaFaro’s tragic death in 1961 ended their partnership, the music lives on as a timeless document of artistry, innovation, and intimacy.
Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings is available to pre-order/pre-save now. Fans can also stream the newly unearthed “Sweet and Lovely (Take 5) – Stereo” beginning today.
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