Passions run deep today. From the failure of the Obama economic recovery to the terrorism of Hamas the world is a dangerous place and not always easy to understand. Jazz should be our “easy button.” I have to admit that I originally did not understand Orrin Evans and his passion and for that I am certainly sorry. Evans and his passion are one and simple. To make the jazz world a better place. I wanted to single out the latest Evans release Flip The Script as a perfect example…One of the finer releases of the year and I would hope that the music alone would allow this release to get the just attention deserved. Passion can be easily misunderstood. I recently found that out myself on a first hand basis. Evans passion for jazz education, his deep love of the history of jazz, and his desire to reach a younger traditional jazz artist following are more than just honorable – they are rare! At one point I may have been too hard on Evans and that bothers me but over time I do believe a good critic should have the same flexibility and adaptability as any good jazz musician. No critic, if they are a simple independent writer or a featured columnist has the final say. The final say on any artist comes from those that listen to the music and interpret the work and allow it to stand on it’s own merit. Simple shades of musical gray. While I will continue to voice certain passions despite misinterpretation, plagerism or down right libel from others, I will be reminded of the example that Evans sets. Stick to what you believe to be true. I will let my work stand on it’s own as well. There are a great many “good” piano trios in the naked city.
Flip The Script just happens to be a great one!
You can catch my review here:
I simply felt the desire to acknowledge a talent more than deserving and would hope you would as well!
I like to pick one release per year that may just fly under the radar but can certainly stand on it’s own merit as one of the best of the bunch and without question Flip The Script certainly qualifies!
