Orrin Evans’ Captain Black Big Band, Mother’s Touch: Excellent big band release, and the first studio album by Evans’ Captain Black Big Band. Boisterous, almost mad with enthusiasm at times between the solos and group efforts, there’s plenty of huge sounds and expansive views. But the most amazing quality of this album is when Evans scales things down for quiet interludes on piano. One would expect that in the aftermath of the big band’s full-on assault, Evans would sound tiny and brittle… and yet he is no less evocative than when the big band slams its foot down on the gas pedal. That’s the kind of resonance that Evans brings to the table, and it’s why if you see his name on any particular recording, you should pretty much just scoop it up. This strong album ends on a strong note with “Prayer for Columbine.” Recommended.
