There’s no taking pianist Orrin Evans out of his comfort zone. He’s just so musically articulate. Consider all the music he’s made with a trio, with his Captain Black Big Band, with Tar Baby, with The Bad Plus — or an upcoming duet recording with a longtime Philadelphia buddy, guitarist Kevin Eubanks.
When Orrin made his album #knowingishalfthebattle, Kevin got the nod. When Kevin wanted an East Coast representation on his East West Time Line, the call went out to Orrin.
Meeting up on Morning Jazz, alongside bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr., Orrin and Kevin created a relaxed yet energized hour made up of a Carla Bley nugget, a tune by Kenny Baker, and an original from both the pianist and guitarist, surrounding the playing with animated verbal exchanges — an indication of just how much fun this foursome was having.
The Orrin Evans Trio with Kevin Eubanks appear through Sunday at Jazz Standard.
