Who I Am

Released in August 2024, Who I Am serves as a definitive contemporary snapshot of Bill Evans' (the saxophonist) signature fusion style. While his earlier work often leaned heavily into 'soulgrass' or experimental rock-jazz, this record feels like a homecoming to the gritty, soul-inflected jazz-funk that defined his most successful collaborations. The album features a tight ensemble that prioritizes the 'pocket,' with tracks like 'Camel Strut' and 'Bex in Motion' showcasing a seamless blend of technical proficiency and rhythmic accessibility. Critical reception has noted the album's high production values and its ability to bridge the gap between traditional jazz improvisation and modern R&B sensibilities. It stands in his catalog as a polished, high-energy work that emphasizes his identity as a melodic powerhouse, moving away from the more eclectic genre-hopping of his past to deliver a cohesive, groove-centric experience.