snobb
Pianist, composer and one-time member of nu jazz trio Bad Plus, Orrin Evans on his new album, "The Red Door", sounds exactly like one can expect - quite straight forward, tuneful and accessible. Containing a well balanced collection of standards and originals, the album sounds very much as if it comes right from the eighties.
If Evan's former band's musical aesthetics can be described as pop-songs played in a fashionable jazzy key, the newest Evans work is more a traditional jazz band playing some popular jazz tunes. There are some freer solos on a few compositions, but generally very competent band plays up-tempo, sometimes r'n'b influenced well-rounded pieces. Three of the album's songs contain vocals - including the popular Jazzmeia Horn on "Big Small".
Taking a few risks, Evans music is well-done, sounds warm and comfortable without being cheesy. Listeners with nostalgia for eighties straight-forward jazz will probably find a lot to enjoy here.