The rumors are true. Rising Filipino-American guitarist Karl Evangelista has officially teamed up with 577 Records to reveal an aural feast fit for melophile royalty.  In his first album with the label, Bukas, his quintet (Karl Evangelista’s Apura) is joined by a very special guest: drum legend Andrew Cyrille.  This thought-provoking avant-garde piece doesn't only recognize the need for a better world.  It also creates a mesmerizing platform for discovering what that could look like.

The new release’s namesake is tied to Evangelista’s roots (“Bukas” means “tomorrow” in the Filipino language Tagalog).  A slightly different pronunciation of the word translates to “open”, setting expressive freedom as the theme for the whole album.  It explores the life of experimentalism, from its origins to its purpose and function and a wondrous destiny currently being shaped by pioneers like Karl Evangelista’s Apura.

“Our project argues that Free Music is aspirational in character,” explains the California-based artist. “It liberates the performer, and in doing so, it envisions a tomorrow where all individuals are guaranteed freedom and equality. Free music may sound dissonant, intense, and overwhelming, but it is also filled with passion, complexity, and love.”
Karl Evangelista’s Apura includes bassist Lisa Mezzacappa, tenor saxist Francis Wong, Rei Scampavia on the keys and electronics, alto saxist Lewis Jordan, and the man himself on guitar. The group defies traditional free music and moves improvisation into the modern age with 21st-century sounds and techniques without sacrificing imagination.
Bukas drops on August 22nd. Only 300 first-edition CD copies will be available, but you can also get it on digital download.