This deeply personal tribute reimagines Evans’ compositions through original lyrics and contemporary arrangements, placing the human voice at the centre of some of jazz’s most harmonically rich material. Across the album, Levy and Edis uncover the emotional narratives embedded in Evans’ melodies: love, loss, parenthood, and vulnerability.

Levy and Edis first collaborated in London, discovering a shared passion for Evans’ music. “Bill’s compositions feel incredibly human,” Levy explains. “Giving these melodies lyrics wasn’t about changing them—it was about stepping inside them.” Edis adds, “The challenge wasn’t adding words—it was listening closely enough to hear what the music was already saying.” Encouraged by enthusiastic audience response during European tours, they developed the project into a full-length album.

The project is anchored by a world-class trio featuring bassist Adam King and drummer Joel Barford – two of the UK’s most in-demand jazz musicians – whose empathetic interplay reflects the conversational approach Evans himself pioneered. The album also features a special guest appearance by British jazz legend Alan Barnes, whose contributions on alto saxophone, clarinet, and bass clarinet add further depth and colour to the recording.

Musically, the album balances lyricism, rhythmic sensitivity, and harmonic sophistication. Levy moves effortlessly between vocalese explorations, wordless improvisation, and sensitive delivery, while Edis’ piano playing provides a rich harmonic foundation to every piece, guiding the ensemble with elegance and clarity. From the intimate warmth of Only Child to the reflective culmination of Turn Out the Stars, the album celebrates Evans as a composer while highlighting Levy and Edis’ distinct artistic voices, reinterpreting the music within their personal contemporary framework.

Noa Levy is a San Francisco-based vocalist known for her expressive range and dynamic stage presence. Her debut album, You Me & Cole, received critical acclaim, earning the “Sheila Jordan Award” and recognition as a top jazz release of 2020.

Paul Edis is a leading UK pianist, arranger, and composer whose work spans jazz and classical idioms. He was awarded Best Album at the 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Awards and has performed alongside Jon Faddis, Tim Garland, and Jim Mullen. Jazz Journal describes him as “a major voice in British jazz,” blending melodic ingenuity with harmonic sophistication.