Gil Evans

Gil Evans (1912–1988) was a Canadian pianist, composer, and one of the great orchestrators in jazz history. Known for lush harmonies, and a unique blend of traditional jazz, classical music and modernist techniques, Evans played a pivotal role in the development of cool jazz and jazz fusion. In the 1950s, Evans collaborated extensively with Miles Davis, arranging and co-composing for seminal albums such as “The Birth of the Cool”, "Miles Ahead", “Porgy & Bess”,  and "Sketches of Spain." Besides his lifelong friendship with Miles, and seminal recordings with the likes of Lee Konitz, Kenny Burrell or Astrud Gilberto, Gil Evans expanded his career as an arranger and composer for pop stars and film music.