Gil Evans & Ten - Gil Evans (1LP Vinyl)

Gil Evans & Ten by Gil Evans is one of those records that completely changed my perspective on jazz.

I first heard this when I was digging through a collection in Chicago, and the moment the needle dropped, I knew I was holding something extraordinary. The Prestige sessions from this era captured Gil Evans in their most intimate and spontaneous form.

Evans was revolutionizing the role of the piano in jazz during this era, moving away from the percussive approach that dominated earlier periods toward something more impressionistic and harmonically sophisticated. This recording captures his delicate touch and introspective approach that would influence generations of pianists. Every note is carefully considered, every silence meaningful.

Musical Analysis:
What strikes me most about this recording is the intricate interplay between the musicians. Gil Evans leads with that distinctive voice that made them a legend, but it's the conversation between all the players that creates the real magic. The harmonic progressions showcase the evolution of jazz during this era, moving beyond traditional structures into more adventurous territory. You can hear the influence of bebop, hard bop, and the emerging modal approaches that would define the future of jazz. The rhythm section provides that perfect foundation – tight but never restrictive, allowing for those spontaneous moments that make jazz so compelling.

From a Collector's Perspective:
After decades of hunting down rare pressings and audiophile releases, I can tell you that records like this don't come around often. Prestige Records captured some of the most important sessions in jazz history. Bob Weinstock had an ear for talent and a no-nonsense approach to recording that resulted in some incredibly authentic performances. This isn't just a record – it's a piece of musical history that belongs in any serious collection. The market for recordings like this has only grown stronger over the years, as more collectors recognize the artistic and historical significance of these sessions.

What makes this pressing special:
Black Friday "RSD First" release. The US Record Store Day website states that this release was released in a quantity of 4,200 copies.

[Jazz Discography for Prestige Records - Catalog Number 'PRLP 7120']
A1 recorded September 6, 1957
A2, B1, B3 recorded September 27, 1957
A3. B2, B4 recorded October 10, 1957
All of the above dates were recorded at Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, NJ

℗ 2023 © 1957 Craft Recordings.
Manufactured and Distributed by Concord.
Made in U.S.A.

Runouts are etched.

Track Listing:
A1. Remember
A2. Ella Speed
A3. Big Stuff
B1. Nobody's Heart
B2. Just One Of Those Things
B3. If You Could See Me Now
B4. Jambangle

Sound Quality & Pressing Details:
The sonic characteristics of this pressing are exceptional. The dynamic range captures every nuance of the original performance – from the subtle brush work on the drums to the full bloom of the horns in the climactic passages. The stereo imaging (or mono presentation, depending on the era) places you right in the studio with the musicians. You can hear the room tone, the natural reverb, and those little details that make you feel like you're experiencing a live performance. The bass response is tight and defined, the midrange warm and present, and the high frequencies crisp without any harshness. Pressing quality is crucial for a record like this, and this release maintains the highest standards. The vinyl is quiet between tracks, tracking is excellent throughout, and the overall presentation does justice to the source material. Modern pressing technology has allowed engineers to revisit the original master tapes with fresh ears and cutting-edge equipment, resulting in a sound quality that often surpasses earlier reissues.

I've recommended this to countless collectors, and it never fails to impress. Essential listening for any music lover.

– Miles Waxey

Artist: Gil Evans

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: Prestige

Catalog Number: CR00674

Series: CRAFT Recordings

Release Year: 2023

Country: United States

Condition: Sealed (New)