Orrin Evans' Luvpark

jazz

Protean acoustic pianist Orrin Evans has been a Philly fixture since he started hard-bopping his way through town in the early '90s. Back then Evans -- whether leading his own trio or backing the likes of drummer-collaborator Ralph Peterson or soul diva-wife Dawn Warren -- wowed listeners with his fluid keyboard style that combined the off-kilter lilt of Horace Silver with the elegant rhythmic fortitude of McCoy Tyner and just a bit of Monk-like mischief. In 1997, the wow became a flutter as he started a tenure with the Criss Cross label that included LPs filled with buoyant originals (Justin Time) as well as flashy, iconoclastic covers of jazz giants (Grown Folk Bizness, Blessed Ones). But his due-soon electric band, Luvpark (and its eponymous debut CD), takes the cake. "It's all music," says Evans of the highly charged change from acoustic jamming to the wonky electric workouts that fill songs like "Apple Seed." "There is no permanent departure. We're just visiting." Yet, with old friends from Philly like scatmaster JD Walter and classically trained vocalist Bilal (Evans' pal since age 14), you can only hope the visit becomes more permanent. Though the slow serenity of Bilal's vocals and Ralph Bowen's sax solos are precious commodities, you'll stay for Evans' elastic runs.

Sat., May 1, 8 p.m., $20 (workshop, mini- concert and discussion, 1 p.m., $10), Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914.

—A.D. Amorosi

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