Presstimonials & Reviews

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real life sound bites:

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"Pilot of fun!" / "best trombone player I've ever heard!"​ / "love your lyrics and message!"

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Rock the Body Electric on Canal Street Revolution (album)

...The quote that "Canal Street taught me that no struggle was straight" kicks off the classic R&B rollicking of the title track, as Oberla channels the cities rock and roll history. The hip shaking plea for solidarity plays like an Allen Toussaint outtake and is the only rock and roll number, before the album focuses on Oberla's jazz tunes.     

A quote about revolution/reform kicks off "Electrophysiology" which motors along on a "Peter Gunn Theme" inspired groove and includes a great tenor sax solo from Bryce Eastwood. The piano/Rhodes work from Oberla is the focus of the Latin infused "Black Diamond" which uses pristine horn hits. 

A three part piece is broken up over the record with the smooth brass work of "While We Were Sleeping..." starting before the short grooving "While We Were Sleeping and Dreaming..." both are brief preludes to the trombone showcase "While We Were Sleeping and Dreaming of Now". Talk of voters rights kicks off "(Required) Listening Required" which is an extended modern jazz effort that finds the drumming of Peter Varnado standing out, linking it all together. 

The best effort here is "Heart Bursts & Soul Grins" which starts with discussing the cities flooding woes before piano and mournful swaying horns, build with grace and soul. The music then explodes with a joyous release to wrap up while closer "Bayou Diversity" ends the album on the positive note as the 2nd Line big brass band sends the listener away smiling in classic Crescent City style..

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Out All Day New Orleans on Canal Street Revolution (track)

...this anthem is confrontationally energetic and optimistic. “Canal Street was part of a grounding I had, in understanding that no struggle is straight,” goes the spoken word intro by activist Kalamu ya Salaam, before we dive headlong into a rousing, brass-backed but gold-plated R&B groove. “Canal Street keeps turning and turning/Constant like the sun” sings Oberla over the disarmingly jaunty piano refrain. There’s been darkness, but maybe the light is winning. Let this song be your gateway into this wonderful, collaborative album. 

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Dreamy Paradise on "Titanic (Live at Natalie's)

It's a captivating track brimming with raw emotion. It exudes both talent and artistry, weaving a tapestry of heartfelt vocals and delicate notes. Every beat and melody bares your soul, leaving an indelible mark on anyone who listens.

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Ryan Mckern with neworleansmusicians.com on ART 4 ALL

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 ...Nostalgic and futuristic notions emanate with strength in all the instruments played...Soothing soulful foundations of a Stevie Wonder-type Motown classic. A harmonious brass section and engaging rhythmic composition are alive ...Pleasing to the senses by offering an audio charcuterie of warmth and contemporary production...Brings that electro drum swank and swagger feel into the center of the singer/songwriter genre and lyrical direction that I have come to love of Evan Oberla. ...Incredible vocal harmonies lather in rich warmth audio perfection....Art 4 All brings the funk and sophistication, all the while keeping a voice of personal exploration and celebration. The sounds of New Orleans reverberate but also become the calming waves unto a shore of new development. 

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Bored City on "pineapple juice"

 

A standout feature of “pineapple juice” is the melodic trombone solo that takes center stage. This unexpected and delightful inclusion showcases Oberla’s mastery over his chosen instruments and his willingness to push musical boundaries. The trombone’s sound adds a layer of richness and warmth to the composition, creating a multi-dimensional sonic palette that captivates and intrigues.

...“pineapple juice” emerges as a refreshing sip from a musical chalice brimming with authenticity, creativity, and pure talent. Evan Oberla’s ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical elements into a cohesive and enchanting composition reaffirms his status as a trailblazer in the industry. "

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Lost in the Nordics on "pineapple juice"

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...a captivating sonic gem....The song’s dream pop essence envelops listeners with its ethereal and immersive qualities...What sets “pineapple juice” apart is not just its musical ingenuity but also Evan Oberla’s unique exploration of sound, which leaves listeners eager for more.​

 

 

Offbeat Review for original Eyope EP - Elevation (2019)

 

"The music on Elevation is groove-oriented with elements of hip-hop, soul and R&B mingling in a concoction that demands to be heard live...Oberla proves to be an adept singer in his own right...His vocal work is set perfectly in this very modern production that reaches back as it simultaneously stretches forward." - Jay Mazza

 

 

FV Music Blog review for Eyope EP - Elevation (2019)

 

"‘Elevation’ is a stunning six-track released that takes the listener on a cultural journey through Eyope’s ears...Catchy melodies, luscious spoken word elements and infectious vocals all fill the sonic landscape...We have been entirely mesmerised by this EP. Feed your soul and check out this magnificent release, ‘Elevation’ today. It is an excellent masterclass in musicianship, composition, and arrangement." -FVMusicBlog

 

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Press Release for EOP - Here (2014)

 

"With influences ranging from the Roots and MMW to Trombone Shorty, this group of veteran musicians pulls flavors from live Hip-Hop, New Orleans Brass, and improvised experimental music to provide a truly unique, freshly original, yet strangely familiar musical experience...“Here” bridges the sounds and experiences of a band that has toured, shared the stage, and worked with national and international acts...These travels have built the group a widely testified reputation as a band with a jaw-dropping stage presence, exhibiting a magnetism that brings everyone inside and outside the venue towards the stage. Their charisma and band-to-fan camaraderie is nothing short of infectious, as they take full advantage of what makes a live show so special, transporting everyone in the venue to the “here and now”. Their debut EP radiates that energy and captures the indefinable beauty of a live experience, bringing listeners right “here” no matter where they may find themselves." -Ill Poetic/Definition Music, LLC

 

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