Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Orrin Evans: Faith In Action
Orrin Evans: Faith In Action
ByEvans' own compositions have immediate impactespecially the opening "Don't Call Me Wally," which is driven not only by Evans' hard-hitting piano but by some fine rhythm work from drummer Nasheet Waits and bassist Luques Curtis. "MAT-Matt" is complex and changeable, regularly shifting rhythmically and stylistically. In its opening section the band plays freely, before Evans shifts to a repetitive, percussive, style. Before long, the trio enters a hard bop section via a short burst of swinging lyricism, until Waits' brief solo drum part takes the tune into a slow and reflective ending. The more playful "Two Steppin With Dawn" features drummer Gene Jackson, with Evans returning to a hard-hitting and percussive style. Jackson suits this number admirably, hitting just the right groove to maintain the tune's dynamism.
Watson's compositions have the greatest emotional impact, however. "Faith In Action" is a gorgeous tune which Evans interprets with skill and empathy. On "Beattitudes," Evans performs solo on another beautiful tune, once again finding an emotional connection that is clearly expressed in his playing. Best of all is "Love Remains," with Waits and Curtis once again outstanding, while Evans is at his most delicate and affecting.
Faith In Action succeeds as a tribute to Bobby Watson, but it also succeeds as a demonstration of Evans' talents, and as an enjoyable, creative recording by musicians at the top of their game.
Track Listing
Don't Call Me Wally; Faith In Action; Wheel Within A Wheel; Appointment In Milano; Matthews Song; Beattitudes; MAT-Matt; Love Remains; Two Steppin with Dawn; Why Not.
Personnel
Orrin Evans
pianoOrrin Evans: piano; Luques Curtis: bass; Nasheet Waits: drums; Rocky Bryant: drums; Gene Jackson: drums.
Album information
Title: Faith In Action | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records