Trumpeter Peter Evans is a prominent figure on the New York scene, both as a virtuoso exponent of the instrument and as a composer of rich and challenging compositions. His work includes solo performances, often on piccolo trumpet, and work with both contemporary jazz and contemporary classical ensembles. He has led various groups; his current group Being and Becoming has Joel Ross on vibes, Nick Jozwiak on bass and Michael Shekwoaga Ode on drums. Evans was a signature artist at the recent Monheim Triennale Festival with an expanded version of the Being and Becoming group. His commissioned piece for this group at the Monheim Triennale earlier this year was a particular highlight of the festival (review link below).
This album was recorded in the prestigious Van Gelder studios after an extensive period of touring for the regular group, and it is clear that it has developed a strong rapport and understanding of each member’s characteristics. It features four of Evans’ compositions plus one interpretation of a Russian folk song, My Sorrow Is Luminous by Yanka Dyagileva.
Each of Evans’ compositions has its own character to which the attractive textures created by the combination of trumpet and vibes make a significant contribution. Malibu is a dynamic piece driven initially by the drumming of Shekwoaga Ode.and features solos bursting with ideas from both Evans and Ross. But then as the piece draws to its conclusion, the mood changes completely and the sound is manipulated to create an electronic effect. This short mood change and the creation of this electronic effect is a feature of several of the tracks; it adds a sense of drama that contributes to the variety of the music.
Pulsar is a much more complex composition; Evans states the theme on trumpet, and the first half of the track is marked by relaxed spontaneous solos from Evans and Ross, but half way through the mood again changes and we have the intriguing electronic effect mentioned above..
Hank’s is another complex composition given a special character by Evans’ use of the piccolo trumpet throughout. The track proceeds through an exchange of short solos by Evans and Ross over Shekwoaga Ode’s drums, but then again the mood changes completely as we move into a concluding passage in which the sound of the vibes is amplified.
The interpretation of My Sorrow Is Luminous follows a more regular pattern, but again concludes with treated sound. On Images flautist Alice Teyssier joins the group and this creates a more introspective contemplative mood.
Ars Ludicra features a group at the height of its powers following its period on the road. We have Evans’ compositions, a strong group feel, fine solos from Evans and Ross, but also the change of mood in the conclusions to tracks through the use of treated sound.
