Conductor Ryan Truesdell delivers a well tuned tribute to legendary band leader Gil Evans by returning to material from the visionary’s catalogue. The big band includes a rhythm section of Frank Kimbrough/p, Jay Anderson/b and Lewis Nash/dr as well as soloisits Steve Wilson/ss, Donny McCaslin/ts and Marshall Gilkes/tb.
As expected, the mix of muted woodwinds and brass are in abundance here, with subtle work by Nash along with delicate interplay on “Time of the Barracudas” and the soulfully swinging “Avalon Town.” There’s some peppy bop for the 40s-sounding sax section along with solos by Kimbrough, McCaslin and Steve Kenyon/cl on “Gypsy Jump” and an easy swing for Wendy Gilles’ voice on “Sunday Driving.” A clever fugue mixes with latin rhythms and flute harmonies on “Concorde” and the whole band sways while Mat Jodrell moans on trumpet during “Davenport Blues.” This album and concert doesn’t make you want to necessarily go back to the original sessions, more to appreciate the current presentation; always a good sign.
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