Sublimely retro, deliciously vintage. This aptly describes the feeling of musical-aesthetic satisfaction that emerges from listening to Island Hopping by the Gabriel Evan Orchestra. Irresistible tracks from the popular repertoire of the first half of the 20th century follow one another without a moment’s pause. Crossing the program’s 15 stop-overs is like cruising the Caribbean Sea, elegantly dressed for tasteful dancing in a pleasantly old-fashioned setting. To the sounds of saxophones, trombone, guitar, piano, double bass and classic percussion instruments (bongos, cajon and drums), we visit such memorable tracks as Pan Ti Moun (Martinique), Carmencita (Venezuela), Amor (by Antonio Machin, Cuba) and Rumba Blanca (Cuba). The Gabriel Evan Orchestra, a purveyor of timeless pleasures.
Gabriel Evan – Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Shaker, Clave
Charlie Halloran – Trombone
Josh Dunn – Guitar
Kris Tokarski – Piano
Pete Olynciw – Upright Bass
Jafet Perez – Drum Set, Bongos, Cajon