Gil Evans: The Individualism of Gil Evans (Verve Vault Series) LP
In a career distinguished by collaborations with Miles Davis and historic orchestrations from cool to free jazz, Gil Evans' burgeoning work as a bandleader was on full display with 1964's The Individualism of Gil Evans, one of his most compelling and richly detailed works. Over the course of originals “Las Vegas Tango” and “El Toreador,” the Davis-Evans composition "Flute Song/Hotel Me" and an inspired interpretation of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's "The Barbara Song," Evans is in command of an all-star cast of musicians across multiple big band sessions. Players include Eric Dolphy on woodwinds, saxophone turns from Wayne Shorter and Phil Woods, Kenny Burrell's guitar, bassists Paul Chambers and Ron Carter, and Elvin Jones on drums — all anchored by Evans' deft hands at the piano as well as arranging and conducting. A gem in Verve Records' discography, The Individualism of Gil Evans highlights his mastery of tone, space, and orchestral nuance.
The Verve Vault series is all-analog, cut from the original master tapes by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound and pressed on 180-gram vinyl.
Tracklist:
Side A
1. The Barbara Song
2. Las Vegas Tango
Side B
1a. The Flute Song
1b. Hotel Me
2. El Toreador