Gil Evans
A superb jazz arranger and bandleader, Gil Evans rivaled Ellington and Mingus in his ability to provide imaginative frameworks for individual voices within a large orchestra. He wrote elaborate, intricate arrangements that didn't weaken or threaten his band's spontaneity. His most renowned work came in the late '50s, when Miles Davis signed with Columbia and brought Evans into the studio with a large ensemble. The resultant albums -- Miles Ahead (1957), Porgy and Bess (1958), Sketches of Spain (1959) -- became milestones in the careers of both men. Evans was hardly a purist; he began using electronics in his bands in the '70s and scandalized some by recording Jimi Hendrix material. His style got looser in later years, with more space and less precision, but certainly his music remained compelling. Evans' harmonic language, compositional and arranging skill were immense, and he was responsible for many masterpieces through either his arrangements, compositions, or conducting.
A self-taught musician, Evans led his own group in California during the mid and late '30s. He remained its arrranger after Skinnay Ennis became bandleader, until he joined Claude Thornhill's orchestra in 1941 as an arranger. His arrangements of classical bebop compositions helped shape and make Thornhill's orchestra a topflight band. He stayed until 1948, except for a stretch in the service during the mid-'40s. Evans first worked with Miles Davis in the late '40s and early '50s, creating the same magic, but with a smaller combo. He also wrote songs for Peggy Lee, Tony Bennett, and Benny Goodman, while conducting albums for Astrud Gilberto and Kenny Burrell.
Evans generated more fireworks later in the '50s and '60s with Davis, writing spectacular arrangements for the albums Miles Ahead, Porgy and Bess, and Sketches of Spain (later came Quiet Nights). Evans also played piano on some sessions. These, and his 1958 album New Bottle Old Wine remain landmark works. His own intriguing releases in the '60s included Out of the Cool, Into the Hot, and The Individualism of Gil Evans.
Evans did more writing in the '70s, penning such works as "Las Vegas Tango," "Proclamation" and "Anita's Dance." He issued more fine albums, such as 1974's The Gil Evans Orchestra Plays the Music of Jimi Hendrix and 1983's Priestess.
He continued writing, arranging and recording in the '80s, and for a lengthy period his band was the featured attraction at Sweet Basil's in New York on Monday nights. Evans recorded for Enja, Mole, and other labels in the '80s. His 75th birthday concert was held in London in 1987; he died the next year.
© Ron Wynn /TiVo
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The Modern Jazz Masters
Jazz - Lançado por Music Today Records em 17 de jun. de 2015
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Chant of the Weed (The Collection)
Jazz - Lançado por Vinyl and Dust Records em 29 de jul. de 2016
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Into the Hot
World - Lançado por TP4 Music em 6 de jan. de 2023
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Essential Jazz Masters
Jazz - Lançado por Burning Fire em 14 de jul. de 2009
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Joy Spring
Jazz - Lançado por Jazz Work Records em 13 de mar. de 2015
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Bird Feathers
Jazz - Lançado por Firefly Entertainment em 5 de mai. de 2008
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Round Midnight
Jazz - Lançado por Lumi Entertainment em 1 de fev. de 2013
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Lament
JB Craipeau, JJ Johnson, Gil Evans
Pop - Lançado por A Cappella Records em 4 de jan. de 2012
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Have You Heard of Gil Evans
Jazz - Lançado por Supreme Media em 30 de out. de 2013
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We're Listening to Gil Evans
Jazz - Lançado por Top Tracks em 30 de out. de 2013
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Round Midnight
Jazz - Lançado por Top Tracks em 30 de out. de 2013
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Songs From His Classic Albums
Pop - Lançado por Picobello em 29 de jun. de 2020
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Jazz Box (The Jazz Series)
Jazz - Lançado por Jazz Tune em 30 de jan. de 2015
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Willow Tree
Jazz - Lançado por Mile End em 5 de mai. de 2008
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We're Listening To Gil Evans
Jazz - Lançado por Diamond Days em 5 de mai. de 2008
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Round Midnight
Jazz - Lançado por Diamond Days em 5 de mai. de 2008
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Classy Jazz Collection: Gil Evans, Vol. 1
Jazz - Lançado por Nuova Canaria em 2 de dez. de 2015
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Classy Jazz Collection: Gil Evans, Vol. 2
Jazz - Lançado por Nuova Canaria em 2 de dez. de 2015
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Round Midnight
Jazz - Lançado por Supreme Media em 1 de fev. de 2013
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Into the Hot!
Jazz - Lançado por Poppydisc em 16 de set. de 2007
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