Orrin Evans Quintet

“Though under-hyped, Mr. Evans is a viable candidate for jazz’s most resourceful and invigorating contemporary pianist.” – The New York Times

Orrin Evans – piano
Sean Jones – trumpet
Gary Thomas – saxophone/flute
Robert Hurst – bass
Marvin “Smitty” Smith – drums

Across the past three decades, pianist and composer Orrin Evans has led over 20 albums, been nominated for a GRAMMY Award and worked with jazz luminaries from Christian McBride to Kevin Eubanks, The Bad Plus, Nicholas Payton, the Mingus Big Band and many others. His new album, The Red Door, features appearances by vocalist Jazzmeia Horn and the late trumpeter Wallace Roney. Orrin brings a true all-star band to KKB, including three members who appear on the new album.

Trumpeter Sean Jones is a musical chameleon, comfortable in any musical setting no matter the role or genre. After a six-month stint with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis offered him a permanent position as lead trumpeter of the ensemble. He has eight albums to his credit as a leader, all on the Mack Avenue label.

Baltimore native, saxophonist and flutist Gary Thomas established himself in the 1980s as one of the most distinctive soloists of his generation. Appearing on nearly 100 albums including 11 as a leader, Thomas has worked with the likes of John McLaughlin, Jack DeJohnette, Herbie Hancock, Stefon Harris and many more. He currently serves as Director of Jazz Studies at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore.

Bassist Robert Hurst has enjoyed a stellar career spanning nearly 40 years, performing on over 150 acclaimed recordings with jazz greats including Chris Botti, Branford Marsalis, Diana Krall and others. He has gained seven GRAMMY Awards and worldwide recognition.

A prolific, in-demand drummer whose playing has been heard on hundreds of sessions, Marvin “Smitty” Smith seems to live in the studio. He’s appeared and recorded with giants such as Sonny Rollins, Sting and Donald Byrd, and even held down the drum chair on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno for 15 years!