Vanisher By Park Evans
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Album Description:
Featuring eight original compositions by one of the most intriguing musicians ever to handle the guitar, Park Evans’ latest album is sure to impress as it delights the listener. Showcasing four of Evans’ musical friends from the Midwest, the melodies are tight and the improvisations are inspired as well as passionate.
“I’ll Haunt the Orchard”, an homage to a Charlie Parker bebop classic, provides a modern jazz vehicle for the group to showcase their craft. Featuring spirited solos over contemporary rhythms and harmonies, this track captures a curious mood sure to stay with the listener.
“Let Me Disappear”, this haunting and compelling tune, with traces of Wayne Shorter’s compositional influence, showcases the group in their element, playing in the pocket and with a rare sense of artistry.
. “Cheer Up Charlie Devanna” provides them with a funky canvas to explore with a rhythmic palette that derives from African and world music.
The tune “Magnetic Red Flags” serves as a dynamic vehicle for them to display their artistry and cohesion. Alternating between mellow, trotting sections with shifting rhythmic patterns and a brisk, fiery solo section, this composition showcases the skills and talent of each player, letting them shine together.
“Leaving San Parcopa”, a track written for a play imagined by Evans, begins with a bluesy Texas shuffle and works into a relaxed, one-drop reggae feel. Featuring clever and inspired solos, this track will be high on your next jazz playlist.
. “Nicole’s Apparition”, a challenging and dynamic tune with multiple changes in feel and tempo, serves as the foil for some of their most high-flying improvisations. Opening with an energetic mood that has traces of electronic dance music in the rhythm section, this composition has relaxed funk interludes at several points, as well as an exciting melody that keeps listeners at the edge of their seats.
The band shines on “Thanks For Not Calling”, an inviting and quirky song with a playful, loping melody that draws the listener in. Highlighting the artistry of the band members and featuring impressive improvisations, this track deserves heavy rotation on your next playlist.
“My One and Only Love”, a solo guitar arrangement offers a subtle and expressive rendition of an old standard.
Credits:
Park Evans: guitar
Jake Baldwin: trumpet, flugelhorn
Brandon Wozniak: tenor saxophone
Brian Courage: upright and electric bass
Greg Schutte: drums
Recorded by John Miller at Future Condo
Mixed by Greg Schutte at Boom Island Recording
Mastered by Greg Reierson at Rare Form Mastering
Photo by Ernie Sapiro
Album design by Jason Goessl
All songs written by Park Evans except track 8
Artist Bio:
Park Evans performs around the U.S. and Canada with vintage swing/rockabilly/country outfit Birch Pereira and the Gin Joints. Originally from Ithaca, New York, he grew up studying with classical guitarist Karl Wolff and British fingerstyle master Martin Simpson. Evans moved to Minnesota to attend Saint Olaf College where he studied composition and classical guitar. In Minneapolis, he studied jazz guitar with Kevin Daley and Dean Magraw.
Now living in Seattle, Park Evans has lived on each coast as well as the Midwest during his productive career. Making friends wherever he goes, four of the Midwest’s finest jazz masters join Park on eight of his original compositions. Brandon Wozniak dazzles with his doleful tone and subtle mastery on tenor saxophone. Jake Baldwin, on trumpet, has the technique of Woody Shaw and the harmonic sense of a piano player. On bass, Brian Courage provides melodic nuanced lines with deft placement. And, drummer Greg Schutte brings a rare color and depth to the rhythm section with his infectious feel.