Evolution (Grachan Moncur III album)

Evolution is the debut album led by the American trombonist Grachan Moncur III, recorded in 1963 and released on the Blue Note label.^[2] Featuring alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, trumpeter Lee Morgan, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Tony Williams, Evolution is considered a significant contribution to the jazz avant-garde.^[3] Two McLean albums also recorded for Blue Note in 1963 (One Step Beyond and Destination... Out!) featured Moncur and his compositions, and explored the same "inside/outside" musical approach.^[4][5]

Evolution
Studio album by Grachan Moncur III
Released	April 1964[1]
Recorded	November 21, 1963 Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs
Genre	Avant-garde jazz, post-bop
Length	41:16
Label	Blue Note BST 84153
Producer	Alfred Lion
Grachan Moncur III chronology
Evolution (1964) Some Other Stuff (1964)

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	link
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings	[6]

The AllMusic review by Steve Huey stated: "With such an inventive debut, it's a shame Moncur didn't record more as a leader, which makes Evolution an even more important item for fans of Blue Note's avant-garde to track down".^[7]

The authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz described as "an invigorating and intellectually satisfying set," commenting "the whole record has a dark, misterioso quality that the lowering trombone sound... strongly accentuates."^[6]

Track listing

All compositions by Grachan Moncur III

1. "Air Raid" - 9:19
2. "Evolution" - 12:24
3. "The Coaster" - 11:39
4. "Monk in Wonderland" - 7:54

Personnel

• Grachan Moncur III – trombone
• Lee Morgan – trumpet
• Jackie McLean – alto saxophone
• Bobby Hutcherson – vibes
• Bob Cranshaw – double bass
• Tony Williams – drums

References

1. Billboard May 2, 1964
2. Blue Note Records discography accessed November 17, 2010
3. Simmons, Greg (2017). "Grachan Moncur III: Evolution". AllAboutJazz. No. April 23. All About Jazz & Jazz Near You . Retrieved 11 April 2023.
4. Allen, Jim (2022). "'The New Thing': The Subversive Bridge From Bop To Free Jazz". uDiscover Music. No. 20 December. uDiscover Music. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
5. Allen, Clifford (2008). "Grachan Moncur: Grachan Moncur III: Evolution". AllAboutJazz. No. December 30. All About Jazz & Jazz Near You. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
6. Cook, Richard; Morton, Brian (2008). The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings (9th ed.). Penguin. p. 1018. ISBN 978-0-141-03401-0.
7. Huey, S. Allmusic Review accessed November 17, 2010