Podcast Summary: All Of It with Alison Stewart Featuring Orrin Evans at NYC Winter Jazz Fest

Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction

In the January 7, 2025 episode of WNYC's All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Grammy-nominated pianist Orrin Evans to discuss his musical journey, his latest album, and his upcoming performances at the NYC Winter Jazz Fest. This episode offers an in-depth look into Evans's artistry, his creative processes, and his role as an educator in the jazz community.

Guest Introduction: Orrin Evans

Alison Stewart opens the conversation by introducing Orrin Evans, highlighting his Grammy nomination for the album Walk a Mile in My Shoe. She notes Evans's performances at the Winter Jazz Fest, including a live set at City Winery and an event inspired by John Coltrane's seminal album A Love Supreme.

“Orrin Evans is a Philly-based pianist who's nominated for a Grammy for his album Walk a Mile in My Shoe... Evans is here now with members of his band.” (00:25)

Live Performances and Band Introduction

Evans begins the episode with a live performance, sharing a piece titled "Sweet Sid," composed by his bassist Jonathan Michelle in honor of their mentor, Sid Simmons from Philadelphia.

“We just heard a tune by our bassist, Jonathan Michelle. Tune called Sweet Sid. Written for a mentor to all of us, Sid Simmons out of Philadelphia.” (04:47)

He introduces his band members:

• Anwar Marshall on drums
• Jonathan Michelle on bass
• Bill McHenry on tenor saxophone
• Caleb Wheeler and Curtis on trumpet and other instruments

“On drums, Anwar Marshall... On bass, as I said, Jonathan Michelle... Tenor saxophone, Bill McHenry... Caleb Wheeler. Curtis.” (05:01)

Winter Jazz Fest Performances

Discussing his participation in the Winter Jazz Fest, Evans explains his approach to curating his setlist, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the venue's ambiance and collaborating with his band.

“Because I go with the room and the spirit and the vibe and see what happens. And luckily the people I play with, we have a long list of words we can use in the conversation.” (05:37)

He anticipates featuring songs like "I Love Her" with vocalist Lisa Fisher, noting the dynamic nature of live performances.

“Your set will include I love her, Lisa Fisher... it's subject to change.” (05:32)

The Influence of A Love Supreme

When asked about the significance of A Love Supreme, Evans shares a personal connection to the album, highlighting its authenticity and emotional depth.

“I'll say for me, I don't know for everyone, but it's the honesty that comes across every time you turn it on... I got married to that album. Came down the aisle to A Love Supreme. Nice. So it's just so honest. And real.” (06:03)

He underscores the album's themes of love, trust, joy, peace, and self-discovery, describing it as a foundational statement of personal and musical integrity.

Exploring Walk A Mile in My Shoe

Evans delves into his Grammy-nominated album, Walk A Mile in My Shoe, revealing it as a narrative of resilience and personal storytelling. He candidly discusses the inspiration behind the album's title, relating it to a congenital condition affecting his left foot.

“The story of Walk a Mile in My Shoe is pretty much about something I was born with that affected my left foot... Everybody thought my limp was cause I'm cool. I am cool. But that's not why I'm limping.” (06:44)

Evans emphasizes the importance of embracing and sharing one's personal journey, fostering a connection through vulnerability and authenticity.

“...being okay with telling yours.” (07:22)

Incorporation of Cover Songs

The album features Evans's interpretations of classics like Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed" and Marvin Gaye's "Save the Children." He explains that these selections resonate deeply with him and fit seamlessly into the album's overarching narrative.

“They're just tunes that spoke to me as far and has been speaking to me for a long time... we had, like, I talked earlier about the words. We had a list of words for the conversation. And those singers kind of picked from those words and shaped the story.” (07:40)

This collaborative process ensures that each cover contributes meaningfully to the album's themes, guided by the vocalists' personal connections to the songs.

Creative Roots and Upbringing

Evans recounts his upbringing in a household steeped in the performing arts, with his mother as an opera singer and his father as a playwright. This environment fostered a deep appreciation for creativity and resilience.

“...always there was a dedication to live, performing arts... just seeing it and being around artists and really seeing how beautiful it was to be creative...” (15:14)

His early experiences in New Jersey and Philadelphia, marked by solitude and limited peer interaction, led him to find solace and passion in playing the piano, influenced by his jazz saxophonist uncle.

“I was around the music and I think instead, music stuck with me. Instead of me sticking with music, it stuck with me and it's still sticking with me.” (16:06)

Role as an Educator at Rutgers University

Continuing his family's legacy, Evans serves as a jazz educator at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. He reflects on the evolving landscape of music appreciation among his students, noting the ease of access to music today compared to past generations.

“Cause we had to go to the library, look up all the records, find it, and now when I bring up a record. No, I've never heard that. There's really no excuse now.” (17:14)

Evans discusses the challenges and opportunities in teaching modern students, emphasizing the necessity to cultivate deep musical understanding amidst the vast availability of digital content.

Final Performance: "4 Miles"

Concluding the episode, Evans performs "4 Miles," a heartfelt composition dedicated to his oldest son, encapsulating his personal and musical legacy.

“This is 4 miles written for my oldest son. And here it is.” (18:09)

Notable Quotes

1. “I'll say for me, I don't know for everyone, but it's the honesty that comes across every time you turn it on.” – Orrin Evans on A Love Supreme (06:03)

2. “The story of Walk a Mile in My Shoe is pretty much about something I was born with that affected my left foot... Everybody thought my limp was cause I'm cool. I am cool. But that's not why I'm limping.” – Orrin Evans (06:44)

3. “Cause we had to go to the library, look up all the records, find it, and now when I bring up a record. No, I've never heard that. There's really no excuse now.” – Orrin Evans on teaching music at Rutgers (17:14)

This episode of All Of It provides a comprehensive exploration of Orrin Evans's contributions to the jazz world, his personal narratives woven through his music, and his dedication to nurturing future generations of musicians. Through engaging discussions and soulful performances, listeners gain valuable insights into the interplay between personal experience and artistic expression in shaping contemporary culture.