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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Gil Evans, Willow Tree
Jazz - Lançado por Firefly Entertainment em 1 de out. de 2012
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Willow Tree
Jazz - Lançado por Diamond Days em 5 de mai. de 2008
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King Porter Stomp
Jazz - Lançado por Ling Music Group em 13 de set. de 2011
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The Individualism of Gil Evans (HD Remastered)
Vocal Jazz - Lançado por Reborn recordings em 28 de jan. de 2019
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Gil Evans & Ten
Jazz - Lançado por Milestones Records em 4 de mai. de 2021
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At Work
Jazz - Lançado por nagel heyer records em 20 de fev. de 2018
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Gil Evans And Ten (HD Remastered)
Vocal Jazz - Lançado por Reborn recordings em 28 de jan. de 2019
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Out of the Cool (HD Remastered)
Gil Evans, Gil Evans Orchestra
Vocal Jazz - Lançado por Reborn recordings em 28 de jan. de 2019
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Great Jazz Standards (HD Remastered)
Vocal Jazz - Lançado por Reborn recordings em 28 de jan. de 2019
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The Complete Pacific Jazz Recordings (HD Remastered)
Vocal Jazz - Lançado por Reborn recordings em 28 de jan. de 2019
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Barry's Tune
Classical - Lançado por Jasnet Records em 24 de jun. de 2021
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New Bottle, Old Wine (HD Remastered)
Vocal Jazz - Lançado por Reborn recordings em 28 de jan. de 2019
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Original Jazz Sound: Great Jazz Standards
Jazz - Lançado por Original Jazz Sound em 1 de jan. de 1959
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The Best of Gil Evans (Remember Collection)
Jazz - Lançado por Ultimate Oldies Records em 25 de nov. de 2016
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The Jazz Collection
Contemporary Jazz - Lançado por Marmot Music em 19 de dez. de 2013
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