Frank Evans: Noctuary - The Jazz Guitar of Frank Evans (1976)

Absolutely stunning solo album from the British jazz guitarist.

Here's the third and - for now - last Evans album i have. No strings, no rhythm section, no traditionals and no classical tunes (almost) this time. It's not a solo record in the narrowest sense, though. There's a bass on two tracks and most tracks use overdubs to combine Evans' lead and rhythm guitar.

The acoustic guitar is again the instrument of choice, and Evans playing on it simply floors me. While his rhythm playing is relaxed and mellow, his lead lines can become quite fiery, which makes for a nice contrast. Having listened to jazz for about 20 years now, i sometimes feel that i don't need to hear new versions of such warhorses as Nuages, Body & Soul or 'Round Midnight. Yet here, it all feels new and exciting. The beauty Evans squeezes from these tunes is otherwordly.

This was Evans' first album on his own label, Blue Bag, about which he said: “I was fed up with being mucked about by record companies and that whole hassle of the music business. Someone in London said I'd be lucky to sell 500 altogether. But I sold 500 in the first two weeks."

Thanks again to Jazzjet who introduced me to this player via this album. Having played his rip over and over again, i knew i wanted my own copy, which is what i present to you here. Some cracking in the beginning of both album sides couldn't be erased, but otherwise it's a very smooth listen.


Frank Evans: Noctuary
Blue Bag BB 101
UK, 1976

A1 Nuages (Reinhardt)
A2 A Child Is Born (Jones)
A3 Send In The Clowns (Sondheim)
A4 Wave (Jobim)
A5 What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life? (Legrand)

B1 Gymnopedies (Satie)
B2 Round Midnight (Monk)
B3 The Song Is You (Kern)
B4 Body And Soul (Green)

Frank Evans (g) Graham Sothcott (b on A2, B1)

Recorded the night of 9th November 1975 Bristol, England.