On the planet of jazz, Orrin Evans is synonymous with musical excellence. Born in Trenton however raised in Philadelphia, he’s thought to be one essentially the most famend pianists of his period.
A producer, composer and performer, Evans attended Rutgers College and studied with the legendary Kenny Barron. He labored as a sideman for Bobby Watson, Ralph Peterson, Duane Eubanks and Lenora Zenzalai-Helm earlier than releasing his debut in 1994 because the chief of The Orrin Evans Trio. He would go on to launch a number of acclaimed albums and was awarded a Pew Fellowship within the Arts in 2010.
For his newest venture, he launched Stroll a Mile in My Shoe, together with his ensemble Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Huge Band. The Grammy-nominated album options appearances by Bilal, Nicholas Payton, Jesse Fischer, Joanna Pascale, Paul Jost and particular visitor Lisa Fischer.
Forward of his highly-anticipated efficiency at World Cafe Stay on February 12, Billy Penn spoke with Evans, 49, about overcoming bodily challenges, the jazz scene in Philly and his new album.
Do you recall once you first fell in love with the piano?
Evans: It was round Christmas time after I was 12 and within the sixth grade. I do not forget that second after I actually received critical about it and that was the time I fell in love with music. However I don’t know after I met music, however it’s as a result of it simply feels prefer it’s all the time been in my life.
I suppose you have been destined to be a musician?
Evans: I didn’t have a alternative. The night time we moved to Philly, the one that gave us the important thing to the home was William Theodore Carney II, aka Mr. C, who was an ideal drummer and married to the legendary Trudy Pitts. They have been the primary individuals I met, although they knew me already. Once I take into consideration cookouts after I was a young person, they have been full of the jazz royalty of Philly.
You’ve been open concerning the obstacles you’ve encountered as a jazz musician within the trade. What retains you going?
Evans: If I weren’t raised by the dad and mom that I had I’d have actually stop this music enterprise, however they taught me resilience. They taught me I used to be particular and I had a option to personal my specialness. I used to be taught that there’s a place for me on the desk, whether or not they make it or not, you progress on in there. As I’m about to show 50, for the final 30 years, and elevating my youngsters, that has been my mantra: Whether or not you make a spot for me at that desk, I do know I belong there. I’ll proceed to attempt to squeeze my chair in there as a result of the trade doesn’t need to. If you have a look at my resume, I’ve a purpose to be mad, however the coloration of my pores and skin doesn’t enable me to do this. So I can discuss it in a sure method, however I’ve to watch out. I’ve to be very cautious concerning the phrases I exploit and after I speak concerning the points within the trade.
How have you ever managed to be so profitable as an unbiased jazz artist?
Evans: I’m thrice Grammy nominated. However I’ve labored exhausting with no help from any label. I haven’t requested anyone for something, aside from favors from my pals who’re musicians. My spouse Daybreak Warren Evans and I’ve constructed this all on our personal and I nonetheless must do what artists shouldn’t must do. Let’s overlook artists. I’ve pals who’re 53 years outdated and are actually retiring from working for Verizon FIOS as a result of he’s been doing it for thus lengthy. Even with the period of time that I’ve been into it, I’d nonetheless find yourself on the rising star record. Like, how far am I rising? Brother, I’ve been out right here doing this for a very long time. When will I get off the rising star record? However even after I say that now, I’m very cautious about it, as a result of although I do consider that, and I stand by it, I additionally know everyone’s not prepared to listen to that.
One other venture of yours is “No Cowards in Our Band.” How did you become involved with the manufacturing?
Evans: This really comes from a Frederick Douglass speech and Anthony Knight, an ideal playwright that I had the pleasure of working with, wrote the play. I used to be approached to rearrange the spirituals for the manufacturing that we did at Hudson Corridor and it was a stupendous expertise, with simply piano and all vocalists. I labored on it for about two months and we’re seeking to do it at different theaters. It was an exquisite occasion. That was in all probability the spotlight of 2024 for me. To do one thing like that’s what I’ve all the time needed to do, which is to create in several codecs and multimedia. It doesn’t all the time must be me in a band. It may very well be me and a poet, me and a singer, a dancer or a visible artist. It was eye-opening to have the ability to do what I’ve all the time envisioned and do it with an ideal solid of characters.
Your newest LP, Stroll a Mile in My Shoe, is a wonderful physique of labor the place you share for the primary time about your illness. What made you determine to share that together with your viewers?
Evans: I simply by no means actually talked about it. I wasn’t in a position to put on common footwear till the third grade, and my foot was utterly deformed. I’ve what Elephant Man had. It’s a neurological factor that affected his face and thank God it didn’t have an effect on mine. It affected my foot. So I had a number of reconstruction surgical procedures so I may put on common footwear. I handled all of this rising up and it wasn’t till this 12 months, that I used to be turning 50 that I used to be speaking about it. It’s part of why I’ve an urgency in my music. I can’t wait until subsequent 12 months with what I’ve happening. I’m not anxious about what I’m going to be right here, however I’m pondering otherwise about my travels. It’s not simple and there will likely be a time quickly after I might must get a wheelchair to achieve the gate of an airport. So all of these issues make me have a special sense of urgency.
On Stroll A Mile In My Shoe, you have got some wonderful collaborations, together with one other Philly legend, Bilal. How was it to work with him once more?
Evans: He’s youthful than me, however we’re each Aries. Bilal was singing jazz in Philly and I’ve recognized Bilal since he was 12 years outdated. Then when he received to New York, he met Robert Glasper and so many individuals at New Faculty, and went and recorded his first album which I really like. It’s nonetheless one in every of my favourite data. I’ve simply been actually completely happy watching his trajectory and seeing all the pieces that he does as an artist. And as an improvisational artist, I knew Bilal and Jill Scott earlier than lots of people did. I don’t imply that in a braggadocious method. The scene in Philly allowed them to actually develop in entrance of our faces.
You additionally collaborated with the legendary vocalist Lisa Fischer on “Overjoyed.” How did you join along with her?
Evans: I really met her a couple of 12 months and a half in the past. Everyone knows she will be able to sing. That’s irrelevant. I went as much as her, and I used to be star-struck. However what caught with me was her coronary heart and spirit. She may have been an entire asshole and he or she’s not. Even when she was, we’d all be like, “Oh, she’s so dangerous.” That’s what I really like about her. Just like the music is, it’s a blessing and one thing that I’m so completely happy to be round. However the human being she is provides to it. She brings to each factor of what she does.
Lastly, what are you most wanting ahead to coming again to your World Cafe Stay?
Evans: I’m actually wanting ahead to taking part in. I all the time have an excellent time at World Cafe. I can’t wait to play with a number of the musicians there and to play with my band. It’s going to be nice.
FYI
The Lounge at World Cafe Stay
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Doorways: 6 p.m. Present: 8:30 p.m.
Free (reservation required)