Customer Reviews

Into the Hot (24bt) (Mlps)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album has been treated dismissively by several critics, usually on the basis that it isn't actually Gil Evans' work at all. That is true (even though, Gil Evans' picture and name are on the cover!). The story is that Evans had a recording opportunity lined up but had nothing to record, and so he handed the session over to Cecil Taylor and John Carisi. The resulting album is truly wonderful in my opinion. Half of the tracks are by Taylor and these are also available on his album "Mixed". They are very interesting and represent a transitional point in his work: they lie somewhere just this side of the full-blown, unique voice he went on to develop, while still retaining fading references back to more conventional jazz. But for me the main appeal of this album lies in the John Carisi tracks. What an underrated and underexposed composer! I can't find a single item under his own name in Amazon, yet Angkor Wat and Moon Taj, on this album, are superb compositions with unusual and highly sophisticated arrangements. Both are hauntingly beautiful pieces with a floating mood which, curiously enough, is very reminiscent of some of Gil Evans' work. Highly recommended.

I've been fortunate enough to have known this album for many years now, and every time I hear it it never ceases to stop me in my tracks. Yes, there are the pieces featuring Cecil Taylor's band and they are marvelous, but they comprise only half the material herein. The other three pieces are by John Carisi, the little known horn player and a student of Stefan Wolpe. His two long compositions, Moon Taj and Angkor Wat are extremely well-wrought arrangements performed under the direction of Evans. For all its tonal daring and complexity, Moon Taj is a memorable performance by a top-notch jazz orchestra. Angkor Wat is more bluesy and allows more improvisation by members such as Phil Woods, Eddie Costa and Barry Galbraith. Carisi is such a nuanced writer that few artists are capable of interpreting his work, and that makes the triumphant readings here all the more rewarding. A wonderful listen for those who seek some heat...

A marvelous album of varied colors and textures. The Evans arranging genius is much in evidence here. A wonderful companion to his best work with Miles Davis, "Into the Hot" also features three compositions by Cecil Taylor, who plays piano on the tracks. But fear not--apparently Mr. Evans had a calming effect on him, because Mr. Taylor has never played with such restraint. Highly recommended.

3 1/2


Though short of a singular brilliance that seems hinted at early on, this artsy big band's complicated flow does deserve seeking.

This is, first of all, not Gil Evans writing, but rather Cecil Taylor as arranger for a medium size jazz ensemble. The music could be described as cubist jazz. There are elements of traditional jazz riffs juxaposed to non rhythmic playing. It is not as chaotic as some avant garde jazz and has some nice moods. It played on the radio this morning and I had to stay in my car listening in the parking lot even though I was late for a meeting. Good stuff -- IF you like avant garde jazz.

P.S. Half the record is Taylor's writing the other half is by another arranger whos name I forget, sorry.