Record Reviews

GIL EVANS ~ SVENGALI RHINO 081227372026 (Barcode: 081227372026) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2003 American (Canadian born) pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Gil EvansFind albums by this artist was always a beacon of inspiration and a forward thinking innovator, one of the few music individuals that kept pushing Jazz to and beyond its limits. He came to fame after working with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist in the late 1950s and early 1960s, but he continued to produce extraordinary pieces of music until his death in 1988. This album presents a live recording of Evans and his orchestra, performing six extended pieces arranged by him. This reissue includes a full version of one of the tracks as a bonus track, which appears in a shortened version on the original album. The music on this album presents a superb amalgam of cross-genre influences, encompassing all Jazz sub genres from Free to Jazz-Rock Fusion, bonded together by intricate orchestral arrangements, which no one else but Evans could create. The six pieces vary in style and atmosphere, but the album maintains a cohesive musical approach and the overall result is simply stunning. It is evident that the explosion of Jazz-Rock Fusion influenced Evans, who on this album embraces the (then) new development, including electric instruments in the orchestra, and doing it brilliantly and lovingly. Just a year later Evans will make the ultimate Fusion recording of his career, when the orchestra will record an album of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist music. The list of musicians participating on this album includes guitarist Ted DunbarFind albums by this artist, tuba player Howard JohnsonFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Billy HarperFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Richard WilliamsFind albums by this artist and Marvin PetersonFind albums by this artist, electric bassist Herb BushlerFind albums by this artist and many others. The individual solos and the overall orchestral performances are all extraordinary and deeply inspiring. The inclusion of synthesizer player David HorowitzFind albums by this artist and his parts on this album are nothing short of prophetic. In retrospect this is one of the classic recordings of the era, which continues to be completely relevant to this very day, as well as a beautiful document of the Genius of Gil Evans. Every true Jazz connoisseur should have a copy of this album in his collection.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

GIL EVANS / ORCHESTRA ~ PLAYS THE MUSIC OF JIMI HENDRIX (EXPANDED EDITION) RCA 63872 (Barcode: 090266387229) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2005 Pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Gil EvansFind albums by this artist was surely one of the most forward-thinking and open-minded Jazz Masters, who were able to overcome the typical American Jazz snobbery and keep their ears wide-open to anything of interest that was happening outside of the genre´s stifling ramparts. His revolutionary work with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, one of the first examples of cross-genre music making and amalgamation of World Music elements into Jazz earned him his initial glory and recognition, but Evans remained a pioneer for the rest of his life. He was also the first Jazz personality to recognize and publically acknowledge his admiration of the talents of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, not only as an exceptional guitarist but also as a great composer. Evans approached Hendrix with a cooperation proposal, which Jimi accepted wholeheartedly, but alas Jimi´s untimely death turned all plans into unfulfilled dreams. However, in spite of the disappointment, Evans decided to pay tribute to the genius of Hendrix by recording this exceptional album of arrangements of music composed by Hendrix, performed by his orchestra. This stunning example of Jazz-Rock Fusion is completely different from most other efforts pursued at the time worldwide and demonstrates a perfect marriage between Jazz and Rock in the orchestral realm. The orchestra, which included mostly young and up-coming Jazz virtuosi, features such illustrious players as guitarists John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and Ryo KawasakiFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist and Marvin PetersonFind albums by this artist, saxophonists David SanbornFind albums by this artist and George AdamsFind albums by this artist, drummers Bruce DitmasFind albums by this artist and Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist and many more. Hearing the music of Hendrix in this fantastic setting is an exceptional musical expedition, especially for people who are familiar with the original recordings by Hendrix. Evans finds new hidden facets in this music, which only a great musician can discover, and shares them with the listener, taking him on a journey of discovery. This expanded edition presents all the material on the original LP in unabridged form and adds alternative takes as bonuses. Exceptional stuff and a must for any true music lover!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend