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22 Jun

Bewitched by George Evans

Known as spontaneous, engaging and exuberant, award winner George Evans is a favored vocalist on the Canadian music scene. Evans’ creativity keeps him in the limelight on stage, on radio and recordings. His smooth voice earned Evans a radio show as host for nine seasons at Montreal’s favored jazz and pop station.

Bewitched is Evans’ sixth celebrated album. Stretching the musicality of his band, Evans adds a string arrangement by Rick Wilkins and Jake Wilkinson to this CD.

A swinging Previn-Langdon tune, "You’re Gonna Hear From Me" opens the album with Evans’ smooth, rich vocals, joined by Michael Stuart on tenor sax. Deep bass backs the equally deep vocals on "Don’t Be That Way." Evans offers a swing-scat bridge, keeping this track lively. A bass solo is striking. Evans then reaches those higher notes with vibrato stealth.

Thoughtful, gentle, tender piano notes open the classic Rodgers-Hart title track "Bewitched." Rolling, solemn vocals keep the mysterious romantic tone in this love inspired tune. Revving up the tempo, infusing energy into each word, Evans creates a sense of urgency in "To The Ends Of the Earth."

"Believe It, Beloved" is electrifying with a dynamic bass back, and Evans’ radiant voice. Seeming effortless in his ability to roll the notes, Evans’ suave demeanor allow the guitar solo to shine as the string arrangement adds dimension to "Watch What Happens."

The classic Kern-Mercer tune, "I’m Old Fashioned" comes to life with Evans’ mellifluous vocals.

In a class all its own, "La Belle Vie The Good Life" is done in emotional tones so real, it’s easy to remember 'the good life.' Reminiscent of the Rat Pack, this song packs a punch. Evans begins Kern-Gershwin song "In Love In Vain" in a slow, melodic, contemplative fashion before energizing the tempo and allowing the bass, guitar and piano interaction create a revved up interpretation of this classic.

"All Too Soon" features Evan’s gentler side intersected with a scat presentation. Closing with "Tonight May Have To Last Me All My Life" a Borzage-Mercer tune, Evans deepens his voice, slows the tempo, and fills the atmosphere with bittersweet memories of love.

George Evans Has garnered rave reviews Internationally. He is dubbed "A ballad’s best friend." Making songs sound easy and natural is the mark of a professional. George Evans is that professional.

Additional Info

  • Artist / Group Name: George Evans
  • CD Title: Bewitched
  • Genre: Jazz Vocals
  • Year Released: 2006
  • Record Label: M-Swing Music
  • Tracks: You’re Gonna Hear From Me, Don’t Be That Way, Bewitched, To the Ends Of The Earth, Believe It Beloved, Watch What Happens, Lazy Afternoon, You Leave Me Breathless, I’m Old Fashioned, La Belle Vie/The Good Life, In Love In Vain, All Too Soon, Tonight May Have To Last Me All My Life
  • Musicians: Nancy Walker, Mark Eisenman (piano), Neil Swainson, Steve Wallace (bass), Archie Alleyne, Jerry Fuller (drums), Reg Schwager (guitar), Michael Stuart (tenor saxophone)
  • Rating: Five Stars
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