Evan Mustard - EM3 EP

Evan Mustard

​EM3 EP
self-released; 2018

​3.8 out of 5

By Bill Todde

Portland, OR is the home of Evan Mustard. One of the most active musicians in the jazz scene, Mustard assembled a trio and recorded EM3 EP over a four-hour session at Hallowed Halls in Portland. Each track was done in a single take and was also recorded on video, which can be found to accompany the EP. EM3 EP features Cory Limuaco on drums, as well as RJ Reyes on bass.

To pick out one track in particular would be unfair. All three are built on a solid foundation of precise composition, combined with musicians that know how to find each other through the folds. Each track is played with a driven passion, and the energy of the band builds like a bonfire.

Each layer of sound lays on top of the other to create the perfect structure for the energy to burn through. The overall pacing of the EP is well timed. Nothing is too fast or too slow for too long. Changes in tempo and mood keep EM3 EP flowing smoothly and confidently from the speakers.

The three songs sound best when listened to in succession, but that might just be me. You can take these songs and drop them in any laid-back playlist that you might have. The songs aren’t too lengthy. The longest runs at 5:02, while the others are around three minutes. Because they aren’t the world’s longest songs, you can place one in rotation and have a new angle on a favorite playlist.

​The new angle is exciting and energetic, as well as passionately skilled. EM3 EP is short and to the point. Despite the relatively small amount of material that is on its 11-minute runtime, EM3 EP does not disappoint.

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