Guided by Evans’ embracing, instigative leadership, the Captain Black Big Band boasts a bold, vigorous sound; a raucous, unpredictable vibe; and a communal spirit convening a membership that ranges from revered elders to rising stars. Nowhere is that more evident than in the ensemble’s communal fifth release, Walk a Mile in My Shoe, which features appearances by Nicholas Payton and Jesse Fischer and vocal turns by longtime collaborators Bilal, Joanna Pascale and Paul Jost, along with special guest Lisa Fischer. During his kaleidoscopic quarter-century as a professional jazz musician, pianist Orrin Evans has become the model of a fiercely independent artist who pushes the envelope in all directions. Never supported by a major label, Evans has ascended to top-of-the-pyramid stature on his instrument, as affirmed by his #1 ranking as “Rising Star Pianist” in the 2018 DownBeat Critics Poll. Three Grammy nominations for his raucous, risk-friendly Captain Black Big Band stamp his bona fides as a bandleader and composer. In addition, Evans’ multifarious leader and collaborative projects include the Eubanks Evans Experience (a duo with eminent guitarist Kevin Eubanks); the Brazilian unit Terreno Comum; Evans’ working trio with bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr.; and Tarbaby (a collective trio with bassist Eric Revis and drummer Nasheet Waits). Evans is also a dedicated educator and sits on the boards of several jazz and education focused festivals and non-profit organizations.
