This CD, Lunar Eclipse, recorded live in 1981 is the first recorded testimony of the important tour in Europe by GIL EVANS with his ORCHESTRA They havd had been previously in Europe in 1974 and 1976 but it seemed that those appearances, although very successful, had been random. The realization in 1981 of a European tour that touched all the most important festivals for a total of 21 concerts instead gave new creative drive and strength to the great arranger and director, GIL EVANS. That tour was followed by weekly engagements at Sweet Basil, other tours in Europe and Japan, the resumption of collaboration with Miles Davis, his new collaborations with rock artists, Sting, Robbie Robertson, David Bowie, soundtracks, etc. .. But all this is now history.
The GIL EVANS ORCHESTRA of these recordings includes exceptional artists, some of whom were only at the beginning of their careers at the time. Omar Hakim, on drums, for the first time outside of New York, after this tour he will join the Weather Report, collaborate with the most famous rock musicians, including Sting and Mick Jagger, and with Miles Davis to become one of the greats on his instrument. Hiram Bullock who will later collaborate with Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, also present in these recordings, and then continue with a significant solo career.
And then Steve Lacy, Steve Grosman, Dave Bargeron and Lew Soloff veterans of the Blood Sweater & Tears experience, George "the-trombone-will-never-be-the-same" LEWIS (as Gil Evans loved to call him)along with "Hannibal" Marvin Petersonand Pete Levin and many others. Definitely a great event !!!
credits
released November 18, 2022
Gil Evans piano, piano, leader,
Dave Bargeron trombone, tuba
Hiram Bullockelectric guitar
Miles Evans ttrumpet
Anita Evans percussions
Steve Grossman tenor, soprano saxes
Omar Hakimfrums
Luico Hopper electric bass (2,3)
Howard Johnson tuba (1)
Steve Lacy soprano sax (4)
Pete Levin keyboards
George Lewis trombone
Hannibal Marvin Peterson trumpet
David Sanborn alto sax (4)
Lew Soloff trumpet
uster Williams double bass (4)