Friday 50s 😁 an album from a half-century ago.... And a bonus new release also.
"Evans explored ten of Hendrix's compositions with his unique 19-piece unit, an orchestra that included two French horns, the tuba of Howard Johnson, three guitars, two basses, two percussionists and such soloists as altoist David Sanborn, Billy Harper on tenor and guitarist John Abercrombie. Evans' arrangements uplift many of Hendrix's
more blues-oriented compositions and create a memorable set that is
rock-oriented but retains the improvisation and personality of jazz." Scott Yanow/AllMusic. Album Discogs ; Wikipedia.
"Pianist, composer, arranger and band-leader Gil Evans is widely recognized as one of the greatest orchestrators in jazz, playing an important role in the development of cool jazz, modal jazz, free jazz, and jazz fusion" Wikipedia. Evans released >40 albums from 1957-86, most with his orchestra, with 3 Grammy Awards and 13 more nominations. Discogs ; Allmusic.
The Gil Evans Orchestra, Plays The Music Of Jimi Hendrix, full album: YouTube ; Spotify
This is on the Jazz Best Albums 1974 playlist at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.
The Gil Evans Orchestra did a Monday night show at the club 'Sweet Basil' in NYC from 1982 thru Evans 1988 death and for awhile beyond as alumni. A 2014 alumni show has just been released, with what appears to be a nonet, includes 2 Hendrix tunes, and is a great tribute. AllAboutJazz review. Leader Pete Levin's website.
Gil Evans Remembered, Live At The Cutting Room NYC, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp
This is on the Jazz 2024 and Jazz Best Albums 2024 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish. 😎
