Gil Evans And His Orchestra
Out Of The Cool
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1997 180gm (Alto Analogue) stereo LE pressing in laminated gatefold jacket. No number on back. Mastered by Bernie Grundman from original tapes. "Out of the Cool" by Gil Evans and His Orchestra, originally released in 1961, stands as a cornerstone of modern jazz orchestration, a testament to Evans' visionary approach to arrangement and composition. In his collaboration with Miles Davis in the late 1950s, Evans had already demonstrated his aptitude for crafting lush, dynamic sonic landscapes. However, "Out of the Cool" marks his first foray as a bandleader for Impulse! Records, and it showcases his unparalleled ability to merge sophisticated, meticulously crafted arrangements with the spontaneous vitality of jazz improvisation. The album is a rich tapestry of sound, weaving together diverse textures and timbres to create a complex yet accessible auditory experience. Evans employs a wide array of instruments, from the conventional brass and woodwinds to less typical choices like bassoons and French horns, all teeming with polyrhythmic interplay and harmonic innovation that push the boundaries of jazz while maintaining its essential rhythmic pulse.

The album opens with "La Nevada," a 15-minute opus that epitomizes Evans' expansive vision. Characterized by shifting rhythms and intricate counterpoint, the piece sets the tone for the rest of the record, establishing a mood that is simultaneously relaxed and edgy. "Where Flamingos Fly" delivers a haunting, ethereal ambience, with Johnny Coles' trumpet and Tony Studd's bass trombone providing a poignant dialogue that resonates with emotional depth. Tracks like "Bilbao Song" and "Sunken Treasure" further exemplify Evans' genius in integrating classical influences with jazz sensibilities, offering moments of stark beauty alongside unexpected twists. Throughout "Out of the Cool," Evans’ orchestra doesn't just accompany; it converses, each instrument contributing to a dialogue that is both structured and free-flowing. The record remains a landmark in jazz, not merely for its technical prowess, but for its enduring ability to convey a profound and immersive musical narrative.