Let's move a little in the '70s for this gem of a recording featuring Gil Evans and his superb group of soloists in an outstanding live set from 1978 consisting of reworkings in the unique Evans style. Every conceivable style is thrown in for good measure, the highlight of course being the superb rendition of Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing clocking a staggering 25 minutes. Absolutely essential listening.
Mick Harvey released Intoxicated Man and Pink Elephants in 1995 and 1997, respectively. They were two of his first three solo albums apart from being musical director for Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, and they are both tribute albums to Serge Gainsbourg. Harvey was among the first native English musicians – if not the first – to delve so deeply into the vast catalog of songs from France's great musical icon (who was Belgian by birth). Both titles feature well-known Gainsbourg tunes, done in English with their French titles placed in italics side by side.
Seven of the eight pieces share the unusual instrumentation of clarinet, trumpet (or piano), cello, electric guitar, and violin. (A second violin is added on one tune.) Those familiar with Houle's European lens or with the sophisticated sounds favored by the label, Between the Lines, will not be surprised by the unique blend of densely abstract harmonies that permeate many of his pieces. These compositions require concentrated listening; they are multi-layered, with multiple directions. Divorced from traditional small group formulations, there is a sibylline quality throughout…