Pianist, composer and bandleader Orrin Evans is a 1999 Thelonious Monk Competition finalist and 2010 Pew Fellowship recipient. Orrin was born in Trenton, NJ and raised in Philadelphia. He attended Rutgers University, where he studied with NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron. Orrin has performed as a sideman with several masters, including saxophonist Bobby Watson and drummer Ralph Peterson and as a diverse band leader/co-leader, and has performed in settings ranging from trios, quartets, and quintets up to his Captain Black Big Band. He is a prolific recording artist; his 2016 release Knowing Is Half The Battle (Smoke Sessions) is his 26th release as a leader or co-leader since his 1994 debut recording. More at www.orrinevansmusic.com.