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

Label: We Jazz Records, 2024

Personnel - Peter Evans: piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn, piano; Petter Eldh: bass, synthesizer; Jim Black: drums, electronics.

No one grooves quite like trumpeter and composer Peter Evans, a master of experimental sounds, especially in modern, electronic-inspired contexts. With a powerhouse rhythm section—bassist Petter Eldh and drummer Jim Black—backing him, expectations for cutting-edge rhythmic exploration are met and exceeded. The shared passion these visionaries have for a hybrid blend of progressive jazz, alternative rock, and electronic music is infectious, and this album captures a broad spectrum of Evans’ musical world. Wonderfully mixed, the eight Evans originals were recorded in Lisbon in 2023.

The wild opener, “Freaks”, is an impactful harbinger for what comes next. Sustained brass notes soar over a propulsive, vibrant rhythm, creating rhythmic euphoria that’s both swinging and grooving. The dubbed trumpet lines build to a final solo that drives the piece to a powerful finish.

Delivering flashes of brilliance throughout, the trio’s remarkable work reaches new heights on “In See”, whose tribal vibe seems to emulate a Brazilian cuíca while drawing heavily from experimental electronica and EDM. Evans’ stuttering staccatos and motivic inclinations are complemented by Eldh’s hyperactive bass lines, while Black lays down an intense tapestry of punk rock and krautrock rhythms. The drummer also stokes the fire in “Boom”, where Evans’ piercing, swift trumpet attacks add extra muscle to the melodic and harmonic interplay.

The kinetic “Fully Born” carries the same explosive energy as the earlier tracks, arriving with an uncompromising posture, suitable for alternative dance floors. In contrast, “Nova” and “Movement 56” are less exuberant, delving into more atmospheric territory. The former features beautiful piano parts cutting through a breezy flow of trumpet and percussion, while the latter, abundant in loopy, riffs, and glitchy electronics, takes on a darker, ominous tone.

Extra offers listeners a thrilling musical journey full of discovery. Every track, fresh and provocative, pushes the boundaries of improvisation and experimental music to new heights. It’s an indispensable record for those who enjoy their improvised jazz dipped in other genres.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Freaks ► 02 - In See ► 03 - Boom