EEE: Eubanks-Evans Experience
Imani, 2022
9/10
Listen to EEE: Eubanks Evans Experience
The debut recording from Kevin Eubanks (guitar) and Orrin Evans (piano), the 7 tracks here are full of spontaneity and a creativeness that has made the two some of the most exciting artists in modern jazz.
“Novice Bounce”, a Eubanks original, opens the listen with soft keys and agile guitar populating the light blues affair, and “Dreams Of Loving You”, by Tom Browne, follows with much intimacy in the dreamy, even meditative climate.
In the middle, the upbeat jazz sensibilities of “And They Ran Out Of Biscuits!” benefits much from playful improvisation, while “Dawn Marie”, an Evans tune, moves with a very gentle demeanor of beauty and grace.
Near the end, “Variations On The Battle” gets a bit more forceful with rumbling keys alongside classic rock influenced guitar licks, and “Variations On Adoration” exits with restrained keys and light guitar as much atmosphere enters the captivating finish.
Eubanks and Evans, who are both Philadelphia natives, bring impressive resumes and tremendous skill to the equation, and it makes for an excellent first collaboration that is hopefully a sign of more to come.
Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago; Ben Tiberio- Rare Peace