GIL EVANS and His Orchestra

GIL EVANS and His Orchestra

In this exclusive, live concert DVD, recorded in Switzerland, <b>the Gil Evans Orchestra</b> features Jazz heavyweights <b>the Brecker Bothers</b>, <b>Billy Cobham</b>, <b>Mike Manieri</b>, & <b>Lew Soloff</b> playing original compositions from Evans himself, as well as from <b>Charles Mingus</b>, <b>George Gershwin</b>, <b>Jimi Hendrix</b>, and <b>Thelonious Monk</b>. Digitally Re-Mastered and featuring multiple Bonus Features, on this DVD Gil Evans' trademark leadership of this star-studded big band results in a performance of rare quality and special historical interest.<P>Gil Evans is one of the most notable Jazz arrangers and composers of the 20th century. Whether conducting for <b>Miles Davis</b> (musicians who've played for Evans are the Who's Who of Jazz history: <b>Charlie Parker</b>, <b>Cannonball Adderley</b>, <b>Art Blakey</b>, <b>Elvin Jones</b>, <b>Wayne Shorter</b> and on and on), or piling up Grammy nominations, honorary degrees and the praise of music journalists around the globe, Jazz-innovator Gil Evans' name is synonymous with musical excellence.<P>Gil Evans innovative musical explorations opened new horizons for Big Band Jazz. He started his own band in his early twenties and orchestrated the exciting new sound of the <b>Claude Thornhill Orchestra</b> in the 1940s. He also worked on Bob Hope's radio show, and wrote arrangements for singers <b>Pearl Bailey</b>, <b>Tony Bennett</b>, <b>Johnny Mathis</b>, and <b>Peggy Lee</b> among others. His unique arranging style and use of instruments rarely heard in Jazz, like the French horn and tuba, were key elements in creating the landmark album <i>Birth of Cool</i> with <b>Miles Davis</b>, <b>Gerry Mulligan</b>, and <b>John Lewis</b>. The special Evans/Davis rapport flowered into unforgettable records such as <i>Miles Ahead</i>, <i>Porgy & Bess</i>, and <i>Sketches of Spain</i>, and has become an indelible part of American Jazz heritage.<P>The Gil Evans Orchestra features:<BR><b>Randy Brecker</b>, trumpet<BR><b>Billy Cobham</b>, drums<BR><b>Herb Geller</b>, alto saxophone<BR><b>Michael Brecker</b>, tenor saxophone<BR><b>Mike Manieri</b>, vibraphone<BR><b>Gil Goldstein</b>, keyboards<BR><b>Lew Soloff</b>, trumpet<BR><b>Tom Malone</b>, trombone<BR><b>Benny Bailey</b>, trumpet<BR><b>Ack Von Rooyen</b>, trumpet<BR><b>Juggs Whigham</b>, trombone<BR><b>Herman Breuer</b>, trombone<BR><b>Rudi Fussers</b>, trombone<BR><b>John Clark</b>, French horn<BR><b>Thomas Grunwald</b>, tenor saxophone<BR><b>Howard Johnson</b>, tuba & baritone saxophone<BR><b>Dean Brown</b>, guitar<BR><b>Tim Landers</b>, bass<BR><b>Gil Evans</b>, keyboards & composer<P><b>Song Selections:</b><BR>Hotel Me<BR>Friday the 13th<BR>Copenhagen Sights<BR>Stone Free<BR>Waltz<BR>Variation on the Misery<BR>Gone<BR>Orange Was The Color of Her Dress, Then Blue Silk<BR>Eleven<BR>Here Comes De Honey Man<P><b>DVD BONUS FEATURES:</b><BR>Gil Evans Biography<BR>Michael Brecker Biography<BR>Randy Brecker Biography<BR>Billy Cobham Biography<BR>Gil Goldstein Biography <BR>Howard Johnson Biography<BR>Mike Manieri Biography<BR>Lew Soloff Biography<BR>Instant Access to Songs & Solos<BR>Digital Dolby Stereo Audio <BR>Digitally Mastered Audio & Video<BR>DVD Recommendations