Orrin Evans, The Magic of Now Review

Orrin Evans is a jazz pianist and composer with over twenty-five albums as a leader and co-leader, including his neo-soul/acid jazz ensemble Luv Park and the bracing collective trio Tarbaby. In the tradition-rich jazz world, Evans has carved an individual path with a startlingly wide range of influences, from jazz and neo-soul to country and even hip-hop. Evans is releasing his new album, The Magic of Now, which continues Evans’ profound musical and personal evolution. The Magic of Now brings the next chapter in Evans’ quartet sound that is jazz, but also has a sound that has progressed beyond categories and into the realm of creative articulation.

Bottom Line: The Magic of Now has a set list of only seven songs while still clocking in at just under an hour. Each piece is explored by Evans on piano, Immanuel Wilkins on alto saxophone, Vicente Archer on bass, and Bill Stewart on drums. Starting from the opening selection, “Mynah / The Eleventh Hour,” the quartet establishes that this is a blowing date. Wilkins’ alto is in full bloom as he converses with Stewart to turn in a stirring opening selection. “Libra” has elements of pop, gospel, and nu-jazz. Here Evans’ piano is in the spotlight, and Evans dazzles with a strong sense of melodic/harmonic adventurousness and adept musical construction. Wilkins’ “The Poor Fisherman” is a moving ballad with many impressive moments of Evans and Wilkins playing in unison, supported by the beautiful open timekeeping by Archer and Stewart. The piano is a little bright in a ballad setting and could have been prepared better for the recording date, but the song is still a moving moment. “Levels” opens with Wilkins’ solo improvisation statement, leading to some of the quartet’s best playing on the date. Their interplay, listening, and sense of time are impeccable on this track. Fans of Immanuel Wilkins will undoubtedly be impressed with this album. Overall, The Magic of Now has a diverse set of tunes, feels, and styles that will be a solid addition to the jazz fan’s playlist. That’s the short of it!

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