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The past year has been quite a musical ride for pianist/composer Orrin Evans, especially when it comes to his relationship to Posi-Tone Records. Early in 2010, the Los Angeles-based label released the pianist’s tribute to saxophonist Bobby Watson, “Faith in Action” followed in late October by “The End of Fear” from Tarbaby, the “trio collective” with Evans, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Nasheet Waits (plus some fine guests.) 2011 has already seen the release of the Captain Black Big Band, arguably one of the 5 best CDs of this year.
Now, we have “Freedom“, basically a trio date released under Evans’ name, featuring bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Byron Landham with Anwar Marshall taking over the drum chair on 3 cuts (1 of which features Landham on persussion) and tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna on 2 tracks. While not as dramatic and forceful as the Big Band recording, this CD contains a multitude of pleasures. The project is dedicated to the memories of Trudy Pitts, Sid Simmons and Charles Fambrough, all who passed near the end of 2010 (Fambrough on New Years’ Day 2011.) The first track on the CD is Fambrough’s “One for Honor“, a delightful romp that gives the musicians plenty of space to let loose – and they do play with fire. Burno is one of the more melodic contemporary bassists as well as being a strong foundation. He supplies “Gray’s Ferry” ( a neighborhood in South Philadelphia), a medium tempo blues featuring a bluesy solo from McKenna, a veteran of the “Philly” jazz scene who has worked with Clark Terry, Tony Bennett and many others in his long career.
Other highlights include “Shades of Green” from the pen of the late Philadelphia-based pianist, Eddie Green (he passed in 2004) and the classy, poly-rhythmic, “Hodge Podge“, composed by Chris Beck, a drummer from Philly and featuring Marshall in the drum chair. Marshall and Landham lead the way into “Oasis“, an atmospheric work from Shirley Scott. The only tune without an overt Philadelphia connection is Herbie Hancock’s “Just Enough” that Evans plays sans accompaniment to close the CD. Filled with rich, resonant, chords, the pianist creates a fine musical tour-de-force as he works through the melody line into his excellent solo.
In the shadow of the Big Band recording, “Freedom” may seem a bit low-key but pay attention. Like much of what Orrin Evans has been giving to the world lately, this CD pays tribute to his city, his influences and his contemporaries. It’s mature music yet never loses its spirit and the joy of playing. It’s yet another “winner’ in a streak that stretches back to Evans’ fine sextet of recordings for Criss Cross. For more information, go to www.posi-tone.com/orrinevans/freedom.html.
