Where Flamingos Fly

by Scott YanowThis transitional LP (which has been long out-of-print) features arranger Gil Evans shortly after he decided to put together a permanent big band. Although the music didn't come out until a decade later, it is actually quite worthwhile. Evans is heard at the head of two different (but overlapping) units ranging from ten to fifteen pieces, and he utilizes synthesizers for the first time. The key soloists are tenor saxophonist Billy Harper and Howard Johnson, mostly on baritone, but the emphasis is on Evans's writing, unlike his later live recordings. Most memorable is "Zee Zee," "Hotel Me," "Where Flamingos Fly" and a 17 1/2 minute version of "El Matador."