Length 33:17 Release date 1957 | ||
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Released End of February/Early March 1958 Recorded September 9 & 27, October 10, 1957 Similar Gil Evans albums, Jazz albums | ||
Gil Evans & Ten (also released as Big Stuff and Gil Evans + Ten) is the first album by pianist, conductor, arranger and composer Gil Evans as a leader, released on the Prestige label in 1957. It features Evans' arrangements of five standards and one original composition performed by Evans, Steve Lacy, John Carisi, Jack Koven, Jimmy Cleveland, Bart Varsalona, Willie Ruff, Lee Konitz, Dave Kurtzer, Paul Chambers, Jo Jones, Louis Mucci and Nick Stabulas. In 2003 a SACD version was published, with the first release of the original stereo tapes.
Contents
Critical reception
The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 5 stars stating "As good an introduction to his work as any, this program includes diverse works ranging from Leadbelly to Leonard Bernstein, plus Evans' own "Jambangle." The arranger's inventive use of the voices of his rather unusual sidemen make this a memorable set.".The Penguin Guide to Jazz noted "It's a record somewhat overshadowed by the Impulse! and Veve sessions... but there's still plenty to listen to and enjoy".
Track listing
- "Remember" (Berlin) – 4:33
- "Ella Speed" (Lead Belly, Lomax) – 5:50
- "Big Stuff" (Bernstein) – 4:49
- "Nobody's Heart" (Rodgers, Hart) – 4:25
- "Just One Of Those Things" (Porter) – 4:25
- "If You Could See Me Now" (Dameron, Carl Sigman) – 4:18
- "Jambangle" (Evans) – 4:57
Track 1 recorded on September 6, 1957; # 2, 4 and 6 recorded on September 27, 1957; tracks 3, 5 and 7 on October 10, 1957.
Personnel
Songs
1Remember4:34
2Ella Speed5:51
3Big Stuff4:49