It was the second and final studio album Evans recorded with his classic trio featuring Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums.

LaFaro played on a borrowed instrument, while the pianist was quickly complaining of a headache, probably brought on by the strain in the studio.

"[3] Nonetheless, the resulting album turned out to be an influential and enduring classic that "brilliantly illustrates [Evans's] innovative concept of 'simultaneous improvisation.

Explorations opens with a cover of John Carisi's "Israel," which had first been recorded by Miles Davis on the second Birth of the Cool session.

Ted Gioia notes that "you could trace Evans's entire career by studying his different interpretations of this composition over the years, documented by more than 30 recordings.

Peter Pettinger comments that "Evans began it with an air of mystery, like the unveiling of a secret, the gentle introduction melting imperceptibly into the tune.

"[9] Writing for AllMusic, critic Thom Jurek said of the album: "Evans, with Paul Motian and Scott LaFaro, was onto something as a trio, exploring the undersides of melodic and rhythmic constructions that had never been considered by most.