Reviews
- "An agile voice, and always swinging." National Post [read the review]
- "Pitch-perfect standards by a master crooner." Jaymz Bee, Jazz.FM
- "George Evans is a ballad's best friend." Sybil Walker, Top O' The Senator
- "One of the freshest jazz voices on the Canadian scene." Vancouver International Jazz Festival
- "Few interpret lyrics as well and none do it better." All-Canadian Jazz Festival
- "Developing his own distinctive approach, Evans' singing is lyrical and smoothly swinging and he interprets the great standards with eloquence and skill. He is able to appeal to the jazz world and also to the much wider audience for superior popular singing." Encyclopedia of Popular Music
- "George Evans [is] innately musical, totally comfortable and in control. His warm lively manner and mellow voice would have had our rapt attention even if he hadn't sung a note. But sing he did, and what a pleasure it was. " Murray Charters, Brantford Expositor
- "George Evans is a fantastic jazz vocalist. His voice is rich and clear and he has impeccable pitch and timing... [He] is one of the most articulate individuals I know, but he also has great wit and sense of humor, and his performances are more than just music... You listen to George and you fall in love with his music and his personality at the same time." Karin Plato - www.KarinPlato.com [read the review]
- "George's swagger, exuberance, and sense of fun on stage are unrivaled." Ken Brown - Kawartha Jazz Society
- "This handsome singer conveys a warm presence and easy charm that make you like him almost immediately" and the Bewitched show "allows many levels of Evans' artistry to shine through, like perfect enunciation, clever timing, humor, and of course, stunning vocals with rich deep tones and gorgeous lines." Greg Culling - Songbirds [read the review]
- "It's was our pleasure to be able to present an artist of George's caliber in the Vocal Cabaret Series this season - a grand time was had by all!" Doug Watson, Events Producer & On-air Host, Jazz.FM
- "...Exuberant... Fun-filled... George Evans has a wonderfully strong and flexible voice... and a great sense of rhythm which allows him to take many liberties with the music." Barb Scott - The Peterborough Examiner
- "I wanted to let you know how wonderful you sound and how great you are at working the room. Musicians could learn a lot from you about how to talk to a crowd. Nice job and I look forward to staying in touch." Cory Weeds - The Cellar
- "One of the best damn singers we've had in here in years." Charlie Biddle - Biddle's Jazz
- "One of the most impressive performances I have seen this year was vocalist George Evans... a rare privilege." The Montreal JazzVine
- "George Evans is a wonderful singer." George Avakian, Jazz A&R - Columbia and RCA
- "George Evans is the coolest." Ken Druker, V.P. of Catalogue - Verve Music Group, USA
Bewitched: 2006
- "Relaxed and always highly musical, Evans reveals very good taste in the songs he selects and he develops interesting and lithly swinging lines... The singers' voice has an attractive edginess that is very appealing... Nice on then from this Canada-based American singer who deserves to be heard more widely." Bruce Crowther - Jazz Journal International [read the full review]
- "Evans sits in a comfortable niche between jazz and cabaret. His vocal technique is carved to bring out the best of both, and he makes sure his CDs have a generous helping of the styles. Bewitched is no exception...He is at the top of his calling, his singing deeply impassioned...Evans and his outstanding band work in close harmony to bring songs from that Great American Songbook to life. And to leave the listener bewitched." Jerry D'Souza - All About Jazz [read the full review]
- "A smooth operator, a crooner, a classical jazz vocalist, who mixes it up with a soulful swinging sophisticated style — that’s George Evans. His new recording, Bewitched, features some of the best musicians in the country providing superb support on classics from the Great American Songbook ...Bewitched is an enchanting, romantic and bewitching performance. Check it out, it’s a delight." Paul J. Youngman – KJA Jazz Advocate [read the full review]
- "Known as spontaneous, engaging and exuberant, award winner George Evans is a favored vocalist on the Canadian music scene... and his creativity keeps him in the limelight on stage, on radio and recordings. Evans has garnered rave reviews internationally (being) dubbed “A ballad’s best friend.” Making songs sound easy and natural is the mark of a professional. George Evans is that professional." Nina Goodrich - JazzReview [read the full review]
- "George delves deeply and with perception into 13 songs, most of which are quite familiar to us all... The title song ("Bewitched") by Rodgers and Hart is done with flawless elegance... Johnny Mercer's lyrical "Tonight May Have To Last Me All My life" (Borzage) is a gem. It's one of the most romantic songs that has ever been written, and Mr. Evans caresses each word making this slow ballad significant and very appealing. Dan Singer - In Tune International [read the full review]
- "The new disc sounds amazing. Vocals are great and the band is ridiculous -- they played their asses off! I just love the way it sounds. Strings are beautiful -- sounds like a CBC show. I think this one's your best." Ken Druker, former V.P. of Catalogue - Verve Music Group, USA
- "Versatile crooner George Evans cruises comfortably through 13 standards on Bewitched (M-Swing Records) backed by Toronto's best jazzers and a string group." Three Stars, Geoff Chapman - The Star
Movie Songs: 2005
- "Movie Songs, as has been the case with all of George Evans' records here, was a smash! I love playing his music for the audience, and I hope some of the listeners have made their way up the Queen E for a chance to see George in person." Bert Gambini - WBFO, Buffalo
- "Evans' confident way with a song and his effortless ability to swing brings to mind the days when male vocalists ruled the airwaves. It's obvious that he processes an honest appreciation for the classics which can make one believe he may have a contemporary of Sinatra, or Dean Martin… though his vocal tone and phrasing may be closer to the great Mark Murphy." Lawrence Williams - Jazz Review [read the full review]
- "Definitely smooth but not smooth jazz, it's moody without being pedantic, familiar and yet fresh. A blend of a sex appeal that most of the Grand Dames of Jazz were famous for yet distinctly...oh so male!" Mary Palmer - Music Director High Plains Public Radio
- "This is a very good CD -- your best so far, I think -- and one or two great songs I hadn't heard before. A special thanks for those." Peter Stevens - Jazz Tracks, CJAM
- "I love this kind of thing: Smooth jazz / swing, taking on classics and lesser known numbers from years gone by, with enough originality to stop you from thinking about bad karaoke... Evans has a rich tone which works best on the ballads and torch songs, where he can enunciate and breath his own personality into the music... A delight from beginning to end." Stuart Hamilton - Zeitgeist, UK [read the full review]
- "Once again this Canadian struts his stuff, this time on 12 cinematic masterworks (including) three Jerome Kern melodies not to be overlooked. "The Way You Look Tonight" swings tremendously... "Dearly Beloved" is a gently scatted musical delight. And Kern's unknown "I Dream Too Much" from the film of the same name is a welcome surprise. It's a dreamy lover's delight... big band singing at its grandest." "George must be doing something right. He continues to grow and amaze with each new release." Dan Singer - In Tune International
- "George is right on top of his game as a singer and record producer here,. His choice of material and sidemen is spot on and the blend of voice and instruments is just right. Five Stars for sure!" Don Smith - 3 RPP FM, Australia
- "Superlatives do not suffice to describe this album. First of all, George Evans had a great idea to incorporate standards not always played that come from within the framework of american movies. Not only does Mr Evans deliver a great performance on his own here, but he also has next to him some fine musicians who get a chance to play a solo on each of the tunes; the drummer and the piano player are quite remarkable. I will definitely feature this album on my forthcoming broadcasts, and I look forward to seeing Mr Evans on stage should he come around here." Pascal Dorban - Jazz.com, Radio ARA, Luxembourg
- "George Evans, how you swing! I love your interpretation of familiar songs. The small horn section gives beef to the numbers, almost sounding like a big orchestra. Thanks for sampling me through RadioDirectX your Movie Songs here in Sydney, Australia." Dick Hughes - Jazz Action Productions, Australia
- "An amazing voice in a crooner style ; George Evans shouldn't have to blush to be compared with Sinatra, Tormé or Bennett; he is not yet known in Europe: I hope we will be able to discover him on stage in France one of these days. Colpaert Claude - Radio Campus, Lille, France
- "We like the recent release "Movie Songs" here at 100,000 watt KUMD down in Duluth, MN. We've played your music from "Eyes For You" and "From Moment to Moment" but the new one is getting 2-3 spins a week at this time." John Z - KUMD, USA
- "A great collection of old favourites and songs that all ages will know. If this CD doesn't gather for fans to jazz then I don't know what will. Proved very popular with listeners." Martin Wright - Radio 3ZZZ, Australia
- "Good selection of tracks, easy to listen to. Backing group has a good feel; voice and group well balanced." John MacInnes, "Saturday Jazz" - 3WAY-FM
- "What could I say about this singer? His voice is sentimental and yet powerful, and his movies cd is just delightful." Ricardo Perez - KSFR 90.7 FM, Sante Fe
- "Wonderful Interpretations!" Jason Wellwood - CILU FM
Here Come The Boys: 2004
- "(Producer George Evans) has done both his peers and his listeners a service by assembling (this) superior sampler." Robert Cushman - The National Post [read the full article].
- "This is a distinctive disc because it's a gaggle of all-Canadian men singers, rare in jazz and rarer still today since female warblers seem to dominate the thinking of every label and festival chief in North America. George Evans is the guy who produced it, so it's fitting that his stylish "Lullaby Of The Leaves" is one of the best tracks. (A) smart concept that boasts excellent sound quality." Geoff Chapman - The Toronto Star [read the full review]
- "Not merely a promotional device for Canadian vocalists, the compilation does an excellent job of presenting a comprehensive overview of male jazz singing regardless of the singers origin. The album delivers a great selection of styles, [and] glides along from start to finish with narry a hiccup, avoiding the schmaltz that so easily can stick to a project of this sort." Ben Maycock - Planet Jazz Magazine [read the full review HERE].
- "What a great idea! As George Evans suggests in his intro notes, the ladies of jazz have been appearing of late, like the ants in my basement. This CD brings to our attention 15 Canadian men that are crooning it up, and there are some familiar names along with a number that are lesser known. All of these male vocalists share one thing in common. They are crooners. The delivery of the lyrics is front and centre, and that light, dreamy voice that prompted cartoonists to draw Blue Eyes with a melting microphone stand in his hands. " Lyle Rebbeck's Jazz Picks - Medecine Hat News
- "Here Come the Boys (Maximum Jazz/Universal) Over a dozen of Canada's best crooners collected on one CD." Len Dobbin - Montréal Mirror
Eyes For You: 2002
"George Evans latest CD, "Eyes For You" has got to be a winner. A superior recording. For sure, George Evans is one of the most consummate male vocalists on the Canadian jazz scene and I will be very surprised if George is not soon snapped up by a major recording company." Dave Milbourne - Toronto Jazz
- "If there's any justice at all, George Evans will experience the same kind of break-out success this year Diana Krall has experienced. And why not? The Toronto singer is a talented vocalist whose rich, smooth tones remind you of no one less than Sinatra himself." Charles Mandel - Planet Jazz
- "What a fabulous set of pipes! Canadian vocalist, George Evans walks in the front door with a mountain of class. There are no gimmicks, the man can sing and that's what he's here to do. Jazz disc jockeys will love this guy! My humble opinion? Ya gotta get it!" Richard Bourcier - Jazz Review [read the full review]
- "[excerpt] Evans shows an obvious predilection for the great standards and takes only the most appropriate of liberties with them. His vocal sound is tough and sinewy, with a pleasing huskiness and well-contained touch of vibrato. He has an occasional tendency to phrase like Mel Tormé, which is no bad thing, and everything he sings goes with an easy swing. The male contingent in the current tidal wave of young singers is a bit on the thin side and Evans (who is 40) can certainly be added to their number." Bruce Crowther - Jazz Journal International [read the full review]
- "George Evans’ latest CD is called “Eyes For You,” and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: George finds great tunes, some of which you’ve never heard before, some of which you’ve heard instrumental versions of in jazz, and other tunes you might know but haven’t heard “George’s Way.” There is a kind of burning intensity to songs that he sings about lost love, enchantment gone wrong, obsession turned to poison, and all of the, shall we say, darker sides of love. On this album, the tune that bears that distinction, “I’m a fool to want you,” has lyrics co-written by Frank Sinatra, and as George Evans says, he fantasizes that this was a tune Frank couldn’t help writing for Ava Gardner.” Katie Malloch – CBC Radio
- "In this session of yet another dozen standards, George continues to surpass even himself... He has the taste and creativity of a master painter, scatting tastefully and only when required... "Where Have You Been?" was an utterly smashing surprise. In George's hands and voice it swings like a famous Sinatra/Riddle affair... Bacharach and David's "Alfie" receives an enormously caring treatment that I will never forget. In this most delicate and tender version it's as if one were hearing it for the first time. The words pour out as if he were dearly playing an instrument and taking everyone in his path for a magic carpet ride." Dan Singer - In Tune International [read the full review]
- "Here's a chap who loves singing and writing about singers and the songs. In doing so, he's absorbed the finer elements of singing while listening to the greats. George Evans can swing a lyric and enunciate with full awareness of each note. The supporting cast is front and center, with trumpeter Denny Christianson, pianist Mark Eisenman, bassist Neil Swainson, guitarist Reg Schwager and drummer Jerry Fuller equally involved." Bill King - The Jazz Report
- "George Evans is a promising vocalist based in Toronto, who is helping to keep the legacy of male jazz singing alive. Evans has a strong voice, is in-tune, swings lightly, and digs into a dozen standards on this set. His renditions of such songs as “I Only Have Eyes For You,” “I’m Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life,” “I’ll Never Be The Same” and “Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year” are heartfelt, thoughtful and a bit uplifting, straddling the boundary between swinging jazz and middle-of-the-road 1950s pop vocalizing." Scott Yanow – L.A. Jazz Scene
- "I really enjoyed this record. George, like a good wine, has clearly improved with age. I especially liked "Where Have You Been," the overall sound, the space, the arrangements in general and the often understated and tasteful playing. And I appreciate hearing the not-often-heard lyrics of some songs, as in "The Very Thought Of You." Bravo!" Jean-Pierre Leduc - Justin Time Records
- "George Evans' smooth vocalizing simply evokes good taste and a mellow timelesness. Backed by a tight five-piece combo, he has put together a first-rate collection of 12 tunes -- there's not a dud in the bunch. High points include Sinatra's "I'm a Fool to Want You," which is turned into a swirling jazz waltz, and a plaintive, haunting reading of "Alfie." Like good scotch, this disc is smooth and potent at the same time." Amazon.com
- "I like the warm intimacy, the stylistic signature, the interpretations, the whole undeniably Evans choices of notes and repertoire. "Where Have You Been" is a new treat for these ears." Colin Lazzerini - Roadhouse Records
- "Vocalist George Evans is getting the message. In a day and age where male balladeers come few and far between, Evans has been building up a body of vocal work relying on the tunes turned out by some of the top contributors to the Great American Songbook: Jimmy Van Heusen, Sammy Cahn, Cole Porter and Ray Noble. As usual, joining him are some of the best Canadian rhythm artists on today's scene. This time its Reg Schwager on guitar, Mark Eisenman, piano, Neil Swainson, bass, Jerry Fuller on drums and Denny Christianson on trumpet. The result is some of the better small group playing on disk. Even though this is familiar material, Evans and his friends add a brightness to these beloved songs that demonstrate their timeliness. Highly recommended." Dave Nathan - All About Jazz [read the full review]
- "A superb CD all around." Boundary Bay Books
From Moment To Moment: 2002
- [excerpt] "...George Evans sings with knowledge, skill, artistic sensibility, and a willingness to get up there and take chances. I can't think of the last time I heard a new album by a young male jazz - pop - standards singer that I enjoyed so much..." Will Friedwald (Author of "Jazz Singing")
- [excerpt] "George Evans’ 'From Moment to Moment' is a welcome surprise. Just when it looked like young male jazz singers were a threatened species, Evans proves there’s life out there. The Toronto-based vocalist is a retro-style crooner with a resonant voice, a playful bounce in his delivery and a superb set of songs. From his opening note, he makes you wonder, “Who is this guy?” and “Where’s he been?” His singing recalls Mel Tormé. He has a great set of pipes and a good amount of style...there’s not a bad number on the 12-song CD. This is a stellar effort. " Donna Kimura - Jazz Review
- [excerpt] "...(George Evans has an) almost physical relationship to the songs he sings, so heavy in his commitment to them such as the lovely "When She Makes Music". Evans also sets each word out there for the listener to taste and savor, like tasting a good wine, as on "All My Tomorrows"... (Evans has) a swinging manner with excellent imaginative phrasing, unbeatable diction more than a passing acquaintance with the beat and a daub of falsetto now and then for emphasis..." Dave Nathan - All About Jazz [read the full review]
- [excerpt] "...His voice has a honeyed, smoothly athletic timbre; athletic in that he achieves his clear phrasing with a grace and ease only long practice and natural talent provide... Evans brings to this recording that ineffable sense of ownership of the music. There is a difference between merely singing or playing music, as opposed to performing, particularly with jazz. Evans’ New York musical theatre experience has contributed to his ability here – in particular, the actorly imperative to be the role... The CD is consistently fine throughout and each tune has its own moment... After happily experiencing the vitality of 'From Moment to Moment', I very much look forward to his fourth recording … and beyond." Hal Schipper - Planet Jazz
- "Toronto's George Evans is a real Jazz Singer who is not afraid of some vocal embellishing. He gets a slick bluesy coolness going on "Born To Be Blue" and "Lullaby Of The Leaves" and does some restrained but fun uptempo swing on "All Or Nothing At All" and "It's Bad For Me". The instrumental backing is as relaxed and sly as Evans' singing and Michael Stuart's cool tenor sax fits right in." Jerome Wilson - Cadence Magazine
- "This nifty, uncompromising CD by Canadian George Evans captures much of the quality of a dozen seldom-sung songs. He is a totally original-sounding singer; like no one that I've ever heard before. George has a knack for uplifting and exposing the intricacies of the material at hand. Gershwin's happy "Love walked in" shines. Robin and Rainger's "June in January" captures the joy most remarkably. On the other hand, Tormé and Wells' "Born to be blue" gets right down to it in all it's sad losers tale of woe. Then there's a remarkable six minute emotion coated "All my tomorrows" which will leave you remembering amorous times. George has a great deal to say, and he's only just begun." Dan Singer - In Tune International
- "Effortless singing by one of the best! Intelligent and well researched choices. Respectful of those that came before him, of songwriters and musicians. He's a living encyclopedia of song. A singer taken seriously by musicians, which is rare. Great, great CD! "Lullaby of the leaves" is the definitive version in my book! " a jazz fan - Amazon.com
- "George Evans' latest CD has, as usual, a song selection to die for." Stefano Nuzzo, Songbirds - Italy
- "George Evans' stylish new CD features some of the best vocal accompaniment available in Toronto." Katie Malloch - Jazz Beat on CBC
- " Popular jazz singer George Evans is at the Senator tomorrow through Sunday, supporting his new, sophisticated CD release, . American-born Evans moved to Toronto two years ago after a busy career singing in cabarets and clubs in New York, Ottawa and Montreal. He'll have a slick band behind him, with pianist Gary Williamson, guitarist Reg Schwager, saxist Michael Stuart, bass Neil Swainson and drums Jerry Fuller." Geoff Chapman - The Toronto Star
I'm All Smiles: 1999
- "Evans' buoyant energy permeates every cut on this collection of popular standards." Jim Galloway - Downtown Jazz
- "...his fondness for challenging, rare standards is admirable, as is his concentration on clarity and expressiveness and the lightly swinging backup provided by three different combos of seasoned musicians. An aura of professionalism and polish is everywhere on the album." Geoff Chapman - The Toronto Star
- "George Evans has a nice feel for a song... Drawing on many influences, among them Johnny Hartman and Nancy Wilson, he works his way through the song list, and makes you feel like you're in a club with a bottle of wine on the table between your loved one and you. " ***1/2 Chris Smith - Winnipeg Free Press
- "Now here is a vocalist with a distinctive voice, one that grabbed my attention from his first CD Moodswing, in 1997. His personality, charm and the way he handles some fine old "chestnuts" have certainly made a mark in this city. In fact his recent CD exemplifies George's ability to interpret a standard the way you want to hear it. Where he really excels is with ballads, the nice sentimental stuff. George definitely knows how to put romance into a song, and that can't be bad." David Milbourne - Toronto Jazz
- "One of the top male Jazz vocalists alive today. Period. Brillant, playful, smart and swinging. Highly recommended. After this one, you'll want to discover his other recordings andto see him live, again and again." - Amazon.com
Moodswing: 1997
- [excerpt] "Ohio native George Evans makes no apologies for his retro leanings. He unabashedly throws himself into a dozen standards, accompanied by some of Montreal's finest players. Evans' clear diction and relaxed phrasing shows how much he cares for these tunes, and his heartfelt performance is matched by his sidemen, especially Kevin Dean who blows some exquisite solos on Devil May Care and Whisper Not." James Hale - jazz critic
- [excerpt] "Evans combines coziness and versatility with a sweet, tender "Someone to Light up My Life"...and does it without straining to get the last few measures out. That accomplishment alone is worth some sort an award. Dave Nathan - All About Jazz
- "Sarah would have approved! Great artistry and control. Sophisticated phrasing. A singer's singer.Amazing selection of tunes. One of those CD's you'd save first if there was a fire. Warning: George Evans can become an addiction! a jazz fan - Amazon.com
- "I love George's sense of programming, and building a bouquet of tunes for your sampling. If you're a lover of song, then I know you'll want to add Moodswing to your collection." Katie Malloch - Jazz Beat on CBC
- "I'm listening to your CD and wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying it... You can count on lots of support from me on Afterhours" Ross Porter, After Hours - CBC Radio Two
- "On Moodswing, George Evans sings great songs with intelligence and musicality. These are things that are definitely lacking today -- and he sings in tune!" Ted O'Reilly, CJRT - Toronto
- [excerpt] "Evans' voice wanders from expressive and gently soothing to an occasional warble... a pleasant sound reminiscent of forties radio stars. If you like jazz riffs and easy sounds you'll enjoy George Evans, Moodswing" Lesley Alexander, WRTN-FM, WVOX-AM - NY & NJ
- "Really lovely. A great job. Wonderful tunes, nice band, and a lot of warmth and heart (which is what I like)." James Gavin - Author of Intimate Nights
- "Moodswing is really a gas. George sings freely, beautifully, jazzily, and rudely -- I really love it, and I'm so proud of George for his achievement. Margaret Whiting - Recording artist
- [excerpt] "George Evans is on a mission, and Moodswing blatantly touches us in places that have long been unattended to, musically. This CD aims for the heart, the groin, the soul, and the memory bank without a single apology." Martin Charnin - Writer/Director