Isaac Evans: Press

Isaac Evans takes it easy on My Journey (self-released) with an album that will please fans of smooth jazz.

I’ll be honest, sometimes smooth jazz gets on my nerves because it seems pointless to hear fantastic musicians blow it on wasteful music for coffeehouses only meant to make the unhip feel that they’re cool in an atmosphere that has absolutely nothing to do with the music. What makes this album decent for me is that, while it arguably would fit those same smooth jazz stereotypes, the musicianship on it makes me feel as if they’re making a legitimate effort to make good music outside of the smooth jazz tag. It reminds me a bit of the laid back funky jazz that was popular in the late 70’s/early 80’s, and perhaps the reason I like it is because it takes me back to a time when that jazz felt and sounded good, without the filter of knowledge. Think of Pat Metheny with a pinch of George Benson, Seawind, and Marathon-era Carlos Santana and you got something that might make most smooth jazz fans tingly with uncertainty. In other words, this is music that moves you to interact, not sit there and sip a tall Caramel Macciato breve laka doohickey. Evans is truly a gifted musician on the piano and keyboards, with the piano being the main reason you’d want to hear him. But he is also credit as the album’s bassist and drum and bass programming, so not only can he do things electronically, he takes his knowledge to the real instruments and makes it happen.

I would not mind hearing him with more established vocalists, just to see where he would be able to take them.

In other words, this isn’t your stereotypical smooth jazz album, but more like that laid back quiet storm funk before it got stale and java-fied.

John Book - The Run Off Groove

ISAAC EVANS/My Journey: A piano man with a love for jazz took the long way around, learning as he went to finally come out with a set that was gestating for 7 years. A labor of love given that extra oomph from the sincerity that went into it, this is a tasty, low key outing that is easy to have in the background when you need some welcoming sounds. Well done.

Chris Spector - Midwest Record - www.midwestrecord.com
Volume 32/Number 30
November 30, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
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CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record