Vocalist Roderick Harper, a Washington, D.C. native who has been a frequent resident of New Orleans and again calls the Crescent City his home, is perhaps best recognized locally for his regular appearances with the Ellis Marsalis Quintet. E•volv•ing stands as his fourth album as leader and follows up the singer’s 2018 release Perfect Imperfections on which he employed many of the same fine musicians heard on this new disc.

There’s a certain quietude, a hushed ambiance in Harper’s delivery that also exists in the overall tone of the music and reflects in his choice of material. It opens with the album’s sole original, “Infinite Heart,” that was co-written by the leader (lyrics) and saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr. (music). Harrison is also featured in a band that bring dynamics to the session, which also includes pianist Oscar Rossignoli, bassist Robin Sherman and drummer Chris Guccione.

Though the above-mentioned rhythm section performs on the majority of the cuts, including an Alvin Batiste original, the wonderfully lively “Salty Dog,” Harper also mixes things up. On the standard, “Never Let Me Go,” the always thoughtfully tasteful Ellis Marsalis takes over on piano and the much in demand Jamison Ross sits behind the drums. Harper brings great passion to Donny Hathaway’s inspirational classic, “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” which was co-written by Edward Howard. Pianist Jesse Davis gives it a gospel treatment with Amina Scott’s bass adding great richness to this song which speaks of today and every day.

Harper’s pure musicality is realized in his interpretation of Charles Mingus’ beautiful “Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love,” which Rossignoli enhances with great grace on an album filled with musicality, elegance and romance.