Mark Kramer: Evita en Jazz

I saw neither the Broadway show nor the movie, so I am not familiar with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score to Evita. But Kramer seems a good pianist for its melancholy qualities. And his trio (with bassist Gary Mazzaroppi and drummer John Mosemann) is a responsive unit for turning it into jazz.

Harmonically, Kramer reminds you of Bill Evans. But the trio’s rhythmic intros and infectious grooves remind you more of Ahmad Jamal and early Ramsey Lewis, especially on “Eva, Beware of the City” and “Buenos Aires.” On “Waltz for Eva and Che” and several ruminative ballads, the feeling is closer to Evans.

Mazzaroppi is both an ensemble anchor and a virtuosic soloist. Moseman’s fills and solos flow with the group; they never intrude.

Originally Published December 1, 1997