Mike Gibbs + Twelve - Play Gil Evans (2021) [DSD128]

Mike Gibbs is a revered composer, conductor, producer and arranger working in jazz and improvised music. He has worked with Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, Joni Mitchell, Whitney Houston, John Schofield and Peter Gabriel in a career that spans four decades. At the time of this recording, the 76 year old Gibbs, according to The Guardian, "still sparks subtly harmonized thrills from a jazz orchestra in ways that few can," and this debut for Whirlwind has captured his 12-piece ensemble performing arrangements of Gil Evans material, adapted to mark the celebration of Evan's 100th anniversary. There's also a helping of Gibb's originals and works by some of his favorite composers including Carla Bley and Thelonious Monk. The 12-piece ensemble recorded all the material on the album in just one day and features an eclectic mix of renown improvisers living in the UK, with each track featuring at least one soloist.