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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Anthology 2023 (All Tracks Remastered)
Jazz - Released by jjjedizionimusicali on 7 Mar 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Best of Gil Evans - Jazz Masterpieces
Contemporary Jazz - Released by Blue Note - Cyan Records on 23 Oct 2015
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Kankei (Live)
Alternative & Indie - Released by Wolf Tree on 13 Jun 2023
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Walking Through The Clouds (Live 1984) (Live)
Jazz - Released by Carnival on 5 Jul 2021
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The Best Big Bands - Jazz Classics from the 1950s, Vol.5
Jazz - Released by Documents on 23 Dec 2014
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'Round Midnight
Jazz - Released by Jazz Work Records on 19 Jun 2015
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The Modern Jazz Masters
Jazz - Released by Music Today Records on 17 Jun 2015
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Ballad of The Sad Young Men
Jazz - Released by Jazz Room on 5 Jan 2010
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Chant of the Weed (The Collection)
Jazz - Released by Vinyl and Dust Records on 29 Jul 2016
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Blues For Pablo
Jazz - Released by Vintage Jukebox on 16 Jun 2023
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Just at the Turn of the Tide
Jazz - Released by turn of the tide on 27 Apr 2023
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Essential Jazz Masters
Jazz - Released by Burning Fire on 14 Jul 2009
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Giants of Jazz
Jazz - Released by School of Jazz Records on 30 Jun 2017
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Bird Feathers
Jazz - Released by Firefly Entertainment on 5 May 2008
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Essential Hits (Original Mix)
Jazz - Released by Solid Blue Group S.L. on 14 Oct 2014
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Round Midnight
Jazz - Released by Lumi Entertainment on 1 Feb 2013
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