Gil Evans

The Individualism of Gil Evans

★★★

I've never been that huge of a fan of Gil Evans admittedly. I recognize his importance and brilliance to some degree, I just haven't really been moved or impressed that much. Now Out of the Cool is probably my favorite album by him thus far, surpassing even the Miles Davis collaborations. And while this was recorded only a couple years after that album, it's much more subdued. Perhaps a bit more than I would've liked it to be. 

"The Barbara Song" is a bit unsettling and cautious, like tiptoeing on the train tracks in the pitch black darkness of night. I might be wrong but nearing the end of the song I was getting some Godfather theme vibes. "Las Vegas Tango" keeps the subdued air for the most part, only partly breaking away with the horns every now and then. And it's also pretty cinematic with this back and forth rocking rhythm section. 

The song "Hotel Me" is probably my favorite on this whole album, as it not only features this absolutely badass theme throughout that is this stuttering playing from all instruments, but also it's so confident in itself. That confidence is also thanks to the bluesy instrumentation that it's built off of. But really that little theme is so great, like the end of a movie when the protagonist robs a bank completely blind and walks out of there without a worry on his mind. 

"El Toreador" really is a bit of a let down, with its complete focus on the trumpet, the things Gil Evans is known for is completely lost. It's out of place and instantly forgettable to me. On the whole this album had some great sections but really was average on others. I've heard many state that the bonus tracks are even better than the original release, and if it's one of those rare cases then I must seek it out. 

Favorite Song: Hotel Me