Ars Nova Workshop presents the return of celebrated pianist and Philadelphian Orrin Evans and his all-star quintet.

During his kaleidoscopic quarter-century career, pianist Orrin Evans has become the model of a fiercely independent artist who pushes the envelope in all directions. Evans’ top-of-the-pyramid stature on his instrument is affirmed by a pair of Grammy nominations for albums by his raucous, risk-friendly Captain Black Big Band. The pianist’s multifarious leader and collaborative projects include the Eubanks Evans Experience (a duo with eminent guitarist Kevin Eubanks); the Brazilian unit Terreno Comum; a working trio with bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr.; TarBaby (a collective trio of 20 years standing with bassist Eric Revis and drummer Nasheet Waits); and a surprising stint with the irreverent trio The Bad Plus.