Bewitched MSW-G028 [2006] The breakout new project from this established, nationally known jazz artist takes him to the next level. A popular blend of standards and rarities selected and sequenced as only George Evans can, Bewitched is the sixth release from this popular performer, his first to feature strings. An independent album with the fit finish of a big budget, major label release, Bewitched will appeal equally to jazz connoisseurs and those new to the music. An award-winning jazz vocalist and favoured entertainer on the Canadian music scene since the early 90s, George Evans has been called "a ballad's best friend" and with very good reason. He sings the great jazz and pop standards with knowledge, skill, artistic sensibility and an easy grace that only long practice and natural talent could provide. Few interpret lyrics as well and none do it better. Though clearly a jazz artist, George is deeply rooted in the New York cabaret tradition. His unique and intimate approach to the art of presentation combined with his innate love of the lyric and a great set of pipes ensure an expressive, sophisticated and elegant performance every time out. Artist Overview: Recognized as one of the foremost vocal interpreters of jazz and standards on the Canadian scene since surfacing in Montreal in the early-1990s, George Evans has been nominated National Jazz Awards Vocalist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. He has been celebrated diversely as "a ballad's best friend" by All-Canadian Jazz Festival, and "an agile voice and always swinging" by the National Post. George tours actively, and has been praised for his lively, polished performances in major clubs in cities such as New York, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. He has recorded a current total of six projects as a leader, and his latest album, "Bewitched" can be heard on all the major jazz outlets. George Evans first thrilled Toronto jazz audiences in 1999 when he launched his second album "I'm All Smiles" at the Top o' the Senator. He went on to appear there with regularity through the launch of his fifth album "Movie Songs' in 2005. Over the years George became familiar to audiences at home through frequent appearances on TVO, Bravo, and CoolTV, and through his many sessions and concerts for the CBC. George Evans was the founding member of The Three Crooners, and in 2004 he selected, sequenced, and produced the successful "Here Come The Boys: a Canadian Crooner Collection" for Maximum Jazz and Universal Music Canada. Reviews: "Relaxed and always highly musical, Evans reveals very good taste in the songs he selects and he develops interesting and lithely 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 "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 "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 "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 "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 "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 For more information on George Evans: www.georgeevans.ca