Gil Evans was at a creative peak when this was recorded in 1960. Having completed a trio of classic albums with Miles Davis (Miles Ahead, Porgy and Bess, Sketches of Spain), he was now bringing classical influences into his own work - with amazing results.
Often these were in quite small but important details: the delicate use of woodwinds (the barely noticeable bassoon on "La Nevada", the flute on John Benson Brooks' attractive "Where Flamingos Fly"); the inclusion of Harry Partch-style homemade percussion on George Russell's "Stratusphunk"; and more evidently in the choice of material (in this case, Kurt Weill's "Bilbao Song" - arranged so that, perhaps unexpectedly, it's Ron Carter's bass that takes the identifying vocal line from the song's chorus).
It's Evans' own piano that introduces the album, on his own composition, the lengthy but involving "La Nevada" (another "sketch of Spain"). His piano work is never ostentatious, however; he prefers to use it as a platform from which the horns, guitar and bass can then improvise. Coupled with his shorter, delicate "Sunken Treasure", they define the record's terms.
As an addition there's Horace Silver's "Sister Sadie", which is not available on some CD (or LP) versions of Out of the Cool. It is different in style than the other pieces - more conventionally swinging - but, like everything on here, it is expertly handled. It also brings the CD up to a respectable running time.
The orchestra members do a fantastic job with what must have been very demanding material and treatment.
More details
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
How does it rate alongside the competition
Outstanding
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Outstanding
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
This product has not yet been reviewed. ![1968 Memphis Country Blues Festival, The/The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions [Remastered] - Various Artists](http://images.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/232/1968_Memphis_Country_Blues_Festival_The_The_Complete_Blue_Horizon_Sessions_Remastered_Various_Artists__6587232.jpg)
