Gil Evans and His Orchestra

Gil Evans (1912-1988) was an important figure in the development of American big band jazz—not only as a pianist, composer, and arranger—but as a bandleader as well, and this live concert of him and his orchestra (stellar performers all) is certainly a significant record of his artistry. Taped in Switzerland (precisely where and when isn't spelled out: the original copyright is given as 1990, but since Evans died in 1988, the concert obviously occurred some years earlier), there's some discrepancy between the track list noted on the DVD box and menu and what's actually included on the disc: the listed “Gone” and “Eleven” are nowhere to be found, so there are only eight distinct numbers overall, including “Hotel Me,” “Stone Free,” “Copenhagen Sights,” and “Variation on the Misery.” Given the quality of the music, it's a pity that the Dolby Digital sound and visuals are substandard (the sound lacks richness and focus, while the camerawork is rather blurred and washed-out looking). Still, this is an “historical” release with some unavoidable technical limitations, so viewers familiar with V.I.E.W. Video's series of jazz DVDs will undoubtedly make allowances. DVD extras include text bios. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)