Global Entry
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
Gabriel Evan, an alto and tenor saxophonist, is back with a sophomore album that explores many different variations of vintage jazz, and he’s got Joe Goldberg, John Zarsky, Joe Kennedy, Ben Fox and Michael Voelker along for the cultured interpretations of the jazz classics.
“Waltz Of Flowers” starts the listen on a very playful note as a throwback jazz approach unfolds with a pre-war delivery of well timed brass, and “Rumba Azul” follows with a cautious display of Voelker’s strong percussion and Fox’s strategic bass lines as Goldberg’s clarinet mesmerizes.
Some of the middle tracks are the best, including the swift and dynamic “Diane”, where plenty of fun unfolds with their respective talents present in spades, while “Singin’ The Blues” does indeed touch on the blues with plenty of soul embedded in the timeless jazz climate. “Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes” then bops with an undeniable energy that you can’t help but move your body to.
At the end, “Effervescent Blues” showcases Kennedy’s fluent piano in the slow swinging atmosphere, and “Rumba Tambah” exits the listen with a charming nod towards Caribbean sounds that the ensemble execute precisely.
Evan also plays in The Bailsmen, one of the most noted gypsy jazz outfits in New York City, and he brings that experience to this aptly titled adventure that welcomes influences from the ‘30s, classical music and swing ideas into this very original effort.
Travels well with: David Restivo- Arancina; Will Bonness- Change Of Plans