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. Moncur’s band consists of alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, trumpeter Lee Morgan, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Tony Williams. 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 style. Reception. The AllMusic review by Steve Huey awarded the album 4½ stars and 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". The authors of "The Penguin Guide to Jazz" awarded the album 4 stars, calling it "an invigorating and intellectually satisfying set," and commented: "the whole record has a dark, misterioso quality that the lowering trombone sound... strongly accentuates."