Gil Evans' incredible big band, which uses synthesizer and Fender bass as well as the usual horns, has been overwhelming New York audiences for some time, and now some of the band's finest live performances have been captured on Svengali. Several of Evans' notable soloists—altoist Dave Sanborn, baritone saxophonist Trevor Koehler—have been heard often with rock groups. Others—trumpeter Hannibal, and the brilliant Texas tenor Billy Harper—are among the brightest lights on the new black music scene. Evans' arrangements get more color out of saxes and brass than Walter Carlos gets out of all his electronic contrivances; the scoring, especially on Evans' haunting "Zee Zee," is sheer wizardry. A new Evans album was long overdue, and Svengali contains the most adventurous music heard on Atlantic in some time. (RS 154)

BOB PALMER