Norman's CD Reviews!!!
Norman's CD Reviews!!!
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.
According to the bio at his site (www.diswho.com) Mr. Evans was born in Danbury,
Connecticut and spent most of his formative years in New Haven, a city alive
with all artistic disciplines flourishing. He says that "New York 'cats'
would come up to jam, bringing promising musicians down to the city." 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 From:http://www.fmsound.org
Norman Evans, Twilight Cool, simmering jazz from an original artist. Mr.
Evans’ recording exudes a positive vibe with a subtle backbeat and a family
groove. He plays all instruments—saxophone, keyboards, drum/percussion
machines, and something called a “wind controller.” It’s great music and
I imagined the first few songs fitting properly as soundtrack work. Which is
by no means a negative comment, especially if you apply the adage “music for
the soundtrack of your life.” The only minor negative is my wanting to hear
Mr. Evans play with a live band. To imagine that aural energy is simply a
mindgame compared to what a fantastic sensual vibration the real thing could
be. Mr. Evans tours widely, opens for some well-known artists (Spyro Gyra,
Gerald Alston, and others). He is getting some airplay, and if you visit his
site you can see a video clip and purchase his CD’s. He’s good…he’s
very good. If you’re a lover of contemporary jazz, make it a point to stop
by his web site at www.diswho.com and check out his groove. Mr. Evans lives in
the Maryland area, so keep your eyes open for an Evans experience if you’re
ever out that way. And keep your ears open for the man’s vibe, ‘cause it
cooks. —Del Harvey
From: http://www.fmsound.org
Norman
Evans
Heirloom
Cds like this make me sad because I want them to be longer than 30-something minutes. 'In Your Name' is very fine instrumental stuff: keys, funky bass, and a lead sax that keeps you interested for the full 5 minutes. 'A Journey' is ditto minus the sax, so it's very soulful with its vibes and backing keys and pleasantly restrained drum taps.
Apparently the cd is available to get everywhere - cdnow, amazon, etc, so I suggest you grab a copy if you're in love with the smooth side of jazz and soul that won't stain the carpet. - Ben Ohmart From: http://www.musesmuse.com
