Orrin Evans, noted jazz pianist, to perform Saturday in Arlington
Published 8:15 am Thursday, March 24, 2016
ARLINGTON — Well-known Philadelphia-based jazz pianist Orrin Evans will be joined by a world-class trio in a performance Saturday evening at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center.
Arlington High School’s jazz band opens the concert, which is sponsored by the city of Arlington and the Arlington Arts Council with volunteer help from local promoter Paul Rauch.
Joining Evans will be legendary bassist Jeff Johnson, top-tier drummer John Bishop and trumpeter Thomas Marriott.
Rauch said that Evans has been recognized as one of the most inventive pianists of his generation.
In his career of more than 20 years, Evans has been acclaimed for his imposing chops and his explosive take on rhythm and harmony. His work is well-documented on 24 albums as a leader and many more as a sideman. He also performs in clubs, concerts and festivals worldwide.
Evans will be accompanied in Arlington by some great regional artists.
Johnson settled in Seattle in 1990, where he has performed and recorded as an ensemble leader. Over the years, he has performed with Jessica Williams, Hal Galper, Chet Baker, Charlie Rouse, Benny Golson and George Cables.
Bishop is a teacher and festival presenter, working in jazz in the Northwest for more than 30 years.
He has performed with such greats as Hal Galper, Bobby McFerrin, Bobby Hutcherson, Carla Bley, Lee Lonitz and Lonnie Smith. He has appeared on more than 100 albums, and was elected to the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame in 2008.
Marriott is a member of the Seattle jazz community as well as the larger national jazz scene. He has worked with the likes of Maynard Ferguson, Joe Locke, Hadley Caliman, Kenny Kirkland, Tito Puente, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Rosemary Clooney.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
If you go
Arlington Arts Council’s third annual Evening of Jazz concert, 7:30 p.m. March 26, Byrnes Performing Arts Center, 18821 Crown Ridge Blvd., on the Arlington High School campus. Tickets are available at the door, online at Brown Paper Tickets or at the Flowers by George shop, 335 N. Olympic, in Arlington. Cost is $15 general admission, $10 for students and free for children age 12 and younger. More information is at ArlingtonArtsCouncil.net.
