Kimiko Kasai With Gil Evans Orchestra Sacd

Although Gil Evans had gained a lot of acclaim for his three collaborations with Miles Davis in the 1950s and his own albums, this CD contains (with the exception of two tracks purposely left off), Evans's only dates as a leader during 1961-68. The personnel varies on the six sessions that comprise the CD (which adds five numbers including two previously unreleased to the original Lp) with such major soloists featured as tenorman Wayne Shorter, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, trumpeter Johnny Coles and guitarist Kenny Burrell. Highlights include "Time of the Barracudas," "The Barbara Song," "Las Vegas Tango" and "Spoonful." Highly recommended to Gil Evans fans; it is a pity he did not record more during this era.

Recorded just three months before arranger/pianist Gil Evans's death, this duet album teams Evans with the great soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy. In truth, Evans's playing here is generally little more than melody statements and comping behind Lacy. The duo performs lengthy versions of three Charles Mingus tunes, Duke Ellington's "Paris Blues" and Lacy's "Esteem."

Gil Evans - Into The Hot (1961) {Impulse! ‎MCAD-39104 rel 1988}
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© 1961, 1988 Impulse! / MCA Records | ‎MCAD-39104
Jazz / Post Bop / Modern Big Band / Progressive Jazz / Modern Arrangement

A marvelous album of varied colors and textures. The Evans arranging genius is much in evidence here. A wonderful companion to his best work with Miles Davis, "Into the Hot" also features three compositions by Cecil Taylor, who plays piano on the tracks. But fear not–apparently Mr. Evans had a calming effect on him, because Mr. Taylor has never played with such restraint. Highly recommended.

This edition presents two superb albums produced by the Gil Evans orchestra during 1958 & 1959, in their entirety: Great Jazz Standards and New Bottle, Old Wine. Both LPs present well known standards with the inimitable arranging style of Gil Evans, and feature jazz stars like Johnny Coles, Cannonball Adderley, Curtis Fuller, Jimmy Cleveland, Budd Johnson, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones, Art Blakey, and Elvin Jones.

Gil Evans - The British Orchestra (1983) {Mole Jazz MOLE8}
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© 1983 Mole Jazz | CD MOLE 8
Jazz / Post Cool / Electric Cool / Modern Big Band

Although the 13-piece ensemble heard on this CD is comprised mostly of English players, somehow it still sounds like the Gil Evans Orchestra. Evans travelled to England to lead the all-star group in 1983 and altoist Chris Hunter would eventually join Evans's U.S. outfit. Other impressive soloists include John Surman on baritone and soprano and Stan Sulzmann on tenor and soprano while guitarist Ray Russell is showcased on Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing." The four selections (which also include "Hotel Me," "London" and Thelonious Monk's "Friday the 13th") tend to be a bit overlong but the spirit and enthusiasm of the players (who sound thrilled to be working with Evans) make this a worthy set.