Orrin Evans Quartet

Pianist Orrin Evans, who has intermittently provided “We Always Swing”® Jazz Series audiences with an array of memorable performances, returns to lead a quartet into Murry’s; his group is guaranteed to warm everyone up and counter falling temperatures and the ensuing shorter days.
   The Philadelphia native first attracted our attention several seasons ago as a member of one of Bobby Watson’s small groups; Evans subsequently made separate Jazz Series appearances in support of a pair two of his many colleagues and peers – saxophonist Steve Wilson on one occasion and trumpeter Sean Jones on another. While the much-in-demand pianist continues to work with a wide array of artists – including his recently just-completed, two-year-plus stint as a member of The Bad Plus, Evans has also been issuing close to a recording per year as a leader for the past two decades now. Some titles are self-produced on the pianist’s Imani label; others are issued through the Smoke Sessions label. All told, Evans has issued more than 25 titles under his own name.
   Among his more well-known projects is the 10-piece Captain Black Big Band that, itself, has spawned a number of leaders. Many may recall attending CBBB’s elaborate, multi-media presentation some six years ago at the Missouri Theatre. On that effort, Evans & Co. performed – for only the second time ever, and as far as we know the only other time ever, an hour-long suite based on Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton’s large-sized murals. CBBB delivered the episodic musical adventure, complete with rotating replications of the murals serving as a backdrop to the live performance. Commissioned by the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the performance was a stunning success.
   For those jazz fans - or those who simply enjoy quality - but are unfamiliar with Evans, we encourage you to attend this upcoming performance and soak in one of present-day jazz’s more imaginative and creative musical spirits.  During the course of his presentation, the pianist and his band will both pay homage to those who came before them as well as fill the room with original notes and sounds.

Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021

"Sundays @ Murry's"

Murry's

Show 1 | Doors: 2:30 | Start: 3:30

Show 2 | Doors: 6 | Start: 7

Orrin Evans Quartet

Orrin Evans: Piano
Caleb Curtis: Saxophone
Jonathan Michel: Bass
Mark Whitfield Jr.: Drums

“You have to wonder how many outlets a restless creative like hard bopping pianist Orrin Evans needs to fully express himself.”

- All About Jazz

“Though under-hyped, Mr. Evans is a viable candidate for jazz’s most resourceful and invigorating contemporary pianist.” 

- New York Times


All performances/personnel, dates are subject to Pandemic Developments. We adhere to Boone Co./Columbia Health Dept. & CDC Guidelines.

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