The Gil Evans Project Looks To Raise Funds For Ensemble Members

By DownBeat I Aug. 24, 2020

The Gil Evans Project pays tribute to *Sketches Of Spain* in a recent video.
(Photo: GoFundMe)

Ryan Truesdell, the director and founder of the Gil Evans Project, is aiming to keep the members of his ensemble afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

Like so many other troupes and performers looking to make it through, that’s meant shifting things online. And recently, the Gil Evans Project streamed a remote performance titled Concierto De Aranjuez, named for the opening cut off the Evans-Miles Davis collaboration, Sketches Of Spain. The 16-minute video takes into consideration not just the cool tone of Davis’ rendition, but also the perspective of the song’s composer, Joaquín Rodrigo.

“I know these are financially difficult times for many of us, but any amount you can spare would go a long way to ease the financial burden this pandemic has (and will continue to) place on the musicians you see in this video,” Truesdell wrote on his GoFundMe page. “No donation is too small ... or too big! And if you can’t give financially, that’s OK! If you enjoy the band’s performance, please consider helping by sharing the video and this fundraiser with your friends and on social media, so we can reach an even broader audience.”