Bands & artists like Gil Evans
If you like Gil Evans, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.
New to Gil Evans? Start with our listening guide.
Artists to try next
Miles Davis
GuideAs a collaborator with Gil Evans, Miles Davis's work in modal jazz and orchestral arrangements showcases a similar depth of texture and innovative improvisation.
Charles Mingus
GuideMingus's compositions often blend complex arrangements with emotional intensity, reflecting the same dynamic interplay found in Evans's orchestration.
Ornette Coleman
GuideColeman's free jazz approach introduces unconventional structures and textures that resonate with the exploratory spirit of Evans's work.
John Coltrane
GuideColtrane's modal explorations and rich harmonic language align closely with the intricate layers and emotional depth characteristic of Evans's music.
Herbie Hancock
GuideHancock's fusion of jazz with electronic elements and complex rhythms mirrors the innovative orchestration and stylistic diversity present in Evans's compositions.
Weather Report
This band’s fusion of jazz with rock and world music features layered instrumentation and improvisational interplay reminiscent of Evans’s dynamic style.
Maria Schneider
Schneider’s contemporary big band compositions are rich in orchestral textures and emotional narratives, echoing the complexity of Gil Evans's arrangements.
Don Ellis
Ellis’s experimental approach to jazz incorporates unusual time signatures and vibrant orchestration, paralleling the adventurous spirit of Evans’s work.
Common questions
Who sounds like Gil Evans?
Artists similar to Gil Evans include Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane. Each shares elements of Gil Evans's sound while bringing their own perspective.
What genre is Gil Evans?
Gil Evans is primarily known for jazz fusion, free jazz and cool jazz. A rich tapestry of layered textures unfolds through intricate orchestration and dynamic interplay, cultivating moments of tension and release that invite deep engagement.
Where should I start if I like Gil Evans?
If you enjoy Gil Evans, start with Miles Davis — their album "Rubberband" is a great entry point. As a collaborator with Gil Evans, Miles Davis's work in modal jazz and orchestral arrangements showcases a similar depth of texture and innovative improvisation.