Top tracks — play these first
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St. Louis Blues Start here — Evans transforms this blues standard into a vibrant orchestral piece, blending rich textures with poignant solos that highlight both the ensemble and individual musicians.
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'Round Midnight — This track exemplifies Evans's mastery of mood, featuring lush harmonies and haunting arrangements that breathe new life into Thelonious Monk's classic composition.
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Manteca — In this interpretation, Evans fuses Afro-Cuban rhythms with sophisticated jazz motifs, showcasing his innovative approach to genre blending and rhythmic complexity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalInnovative orchestration and strong improvisation define this influential jazz album.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements with a strong emphasis on brass and woodwinds, creating a rich texture throughout.
- Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing soloists to explore themes in depth while the ensemble maintains a cohesive backdrop.
- The sequencing includes both well-known standards and original compositions, providing a balance between familiarity and innovation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with dynamic peaks
- immersive orchestral textures unfold
- enjoyment of intricate improvisation
- evening listening with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek straightforward, predictable sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Evans' reputation as a leading jazz arranger and bandleader.
- Career context
- By the time 'New Bottle Old Wine' was released in 1958, Gil Evans had already established himself as a prominent arranger and bandleader. This album followed his collaboration with Miles Davis on 'Miles Ahead' and showcased his unique ability to blend orchestral elements with traditional jazz forms. The release marked a significant evolution in his artistic vision, further solidifying his role in shaping the cool jazz movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miles Davis· Charles Mingus· Ornette Coleman
Tracklist
- 1 St. Louis Blues Start here 5:26
- 2 King Porter Stomp 3:20
- 3 Willow Tree 4:40
- 4 Struttin' With Some Barbecue 4:35
- 5 Lester Leaps In 4:19
- 6 'Round Midnight 4:08
- 7 Manteca 5:20
- 8 Bird Feathers 6:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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