Page 11 - Norman Evans

Norman Evans, Tapestry Sessions
Grade: A
I’ve been a fan of "Norman Evans" work for some time now. He’s an accomplished multi-instrumentalist with a world of jazz sounds pulsing through his veins just crying to be let out. Norman Evans’ music is soulful, truthful, and harmonious. His saxophone and keyboards show a master’s touch as he merges smooth jazz riffs with calming and inspired melodies. On Tapestry Sessions we are treated to a wide sampling of Norman Evans’ original jazz instrumentals in a very contemporary, very mainstream setting. What seems like perfect background music soon has you buzzing along to their happy rhythms. If you’ve never heard of Norman Evans’ music before, this is a great place to begin. All the best to you, Norman. --Del Harvey


Jazz virtuoso "Norman Evans" has played with a variety of well-known musicians, and it is a tribute to his own excellence as a performer and musician that he can produce albums like Retrospective. Although he plays all the instruments on the CD, Norman Evans’ Retrospective sounds like a full band, juicing and bopping along with lively interplay that you’d swear was coming from a full ensemble. That may sound like a toss-off comment, but there is some subtle intelligence at work when one player cannot only create every sound in the band, but can make those sounds seem to interact with one another. That kind of performing opens up whole new realms of genius.
The CD is loaded with sounds reminiscent of Joe Sample and The Crusaders on such tune
as “Captivated,” “Sorcerer,” “Ninth Square” and “Rainy Afternoon.” The melodies are catchy and the rhythms infectious on nearly every tune. With 17 songs jammed onto one CD, that’s a lot of good sound for your dollar.

If you’re wondering as to his qualifications, Mr. Evans’ bonafides are in perfect order, having opened for a number of national artists—Spyro Gyra, George Howard, Pieces of a Dream, Gerald Alston, Miles Jaye.

Exciting, energetic, blissful music possessed of a melodic soul, Retrospective is a CD worthy of adding to any jazz enthusiast’s collection.
                                                                                                                                                                                                     --Del Harvey