Is Out of the Cool a good place to start with Gil Evans?

Yes, Out of the Cool is recommended as a starting point for new Gil Evans listeners. A lush orchestration of cool jazz textures interweaves improvisational freedom with evocative melodies and rich harmonic explorations. In 1961, Gil Evans was establishing himself as a prominent figure in jazz following his work on Miles Davis's 'Sketches of Spain'. 'Out of the Cool' was his second album, building on the innovative sound he had begun to craft, showcasing his unique arrangements and orchestral approach. This period marked a significant artistic evolution for Evans as he sought to blend classical elements with jazz improvisation.

Who is Out of the Cool for?

Out of the Cool works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, layered, dense sonic textures and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Out of the Cool?

Out of the Cool has 6 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Out of the Cool

Gil Evans · 1961

44 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A lush orchestration of cool jazz textures interweaves improvisational freedom with evocative melodies and rich harmonic explorations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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La Nevada Start here — The opening track showcases Evans's expansive orchestral vision, blending intricate arrangements with fluid improvisations that set the tone for the entire album.
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Where Flamingos Fly — This piece exemplifies the album's lush harmonies and melodic beauty, featuring delicate interplay between soloists and the ensemble that invites deep listening.
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Stratusphunk — With its rhythmic complexity and vibrant energy, this track embodies the fusion of structured composition and spontaneous creativity characteristic of Evans's style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's lush arrangements and improvisational focus mark it as a significant work in cool jazz.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestration with a prominent use of brass and woodwinds, creating a rich texture throughout.
Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing soloists to explore melodies over intricate harmonic changes.
The first three tracks maintain a slow to mid-tempo pace, while the last three introduce more rhythmic variation and complexity.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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

long, immersive listening sessions
layered, dense sonic textures
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Gil Evans as a key figure in the cool jazz movement.
Career context: In 1961, Gil Evans was establishing himself as a prominent figure in jazz following his work on Miles Davis's 'Sketches of Spain'. 'Out of the Cool' was his second album, building on the innovative sound he had begun to craft, showcasing his unique arrangements and orchestral approach. This period marked a significant artistic evolution for Evans as he sought to blend classical elements with jazz improvisation.
Stylistic neighbors: Miles Davis· Charles Mingus· Ornette Coleman