Label: More is More Records, 2025
Personnel - Peter Evans: trumpet, piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn, electronics, piano; Joel Ross: vibraphone, synth, percussion; Nick Jozwiak: bass, synth; Michael Shekwoaga Ode: drums + Alice Teyssier: flutes (#5).
Peter Evans, a tremendously inventive trumpeter and post-modern composer, reunites his Being & Becoming group—formed in 2017—for its third album, Ars Ludicra. Drawing on vast musical experience and formidable technique, the endlessly curious Evans blends styles and moods, shaping the pitch and contour of his phrases for maximum impact across four original compositions and one cover.
Armed with a progressive mindset and supported by Mike Pride’s tasteful post-production, the quartet opens with “Malibu”, where Evans’ fearless, scorching lines and Joel Ross’ lucid vibraphone ideas unfold over the tireless, tumbling rhythmic engine built by bassist Nick Jozwiak and drummer Michael Shekwoaga Ode. “Pulsar”, a musique concrète–leaning workout captured with visceral immediacy, is driven by a robust backbeat, its deliberate volume oscillations deepening the experimental thrust.
All four musicians work diligently to forge a distinctive group dynamic, and “Hank’s”—clearly informed by electronic music—fully delivers. Evans and Ross interlace complex unison passages before trading improvised incursions. The trumpeter’s range feels almost otherworldly, while Ode plays with commanding force, answering provocations with turbulent, explosive fills. The piece closes on a flurry of compulsive staccato slaps.
Here, teamwork matters as much as individual excursions. This balance comes sharply into focus in the arrangement of Russian folk-punk singer Yanka Dyagileva’s “My Sorrow is Luminous”, which unfolds more restrainedly, guided by a dark-tinged chordal sequence. Against this somber backdrop, Evans blows counterintuitively as if there were no tomorrow, unleashing a rapid cascade of notes shaped with both urgency and logic. The album concludes quietly with “Images”, featuring guest flutist Alice Teyssier, who layers several timbres from multiple flutes.
At times bombastic, this music is consistently driven by a desire to challenge convention. While it may not reach the heights of Extra (We Jazz Records, 2024)—a stunning trio statement—Ars Ludicra explores different sonic territories with the same fearless spirit and modernistic vision.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Malibu ► 03 - Hank’s