Honoring a jazz icon on his 100th Birthday…
Terry Gibbs Dream Band – Vol. 7: The Lost Tapes – Whaling City Sound #WCS 143 – 1959- CD – 72:24 – ****
(Terry Gibbs – vibes, leader – Al Porcino, Ray Triscari, Stu Williamson, Conte Candoli, John Audino, Lee Katzman – trumpets; Vern Friley, Bob Enovoldsen, Carl Fontana, Joe Cadena, Bill Smiley, Bob Burgess – trombones; Joe Maini, Charlie Kennedy, Med Flory, Bill Holman, Bill Perkins, Jack Schwartz – saxophones; Lou Levy, Benny Aronov – piano; Max Bennett, Buddy Clark – bass; Mel Lewis – drums)
It is certainly a rarity when someone turns 100. However, when it is a revered jazz artist, such as vibraphonist legend, Terry Gibbs, it is even more a cause for celebration. Terry turns 100 swinging years old on Oct. 13. To help his fans honor the master, Whaling City Sound, has unearthed previously unreleased tapes from Hollywood club sessions recorded in March and November, 1959.
As part of the archival “Lost Tapes” series, this is Vol. 7. The first six were thought to be the entire series. But happily, Terry and his son, Gerry, (a veteran drummer, himself) discovered the files on Gerry’s computer. So what better a time to party with the centennial celebrant, than to hear another gem from Gibbs’ Dream Band.
Terry’ talents as a big band leader go way back, well over a half century ago. Noted for bridging be-bop, swing, and West Coast style arrangements with a East Coast kick, Gibbs’ big bands always rivaled the power of their more noted back east brethren.
In the 1950s, Terry had the services and charts, of the best arrangers around including Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn, Med Flory, and Bill Holman. Gibbs wanted arrangements that would give his bands an ensemble feel.
Many of his band members lived in Los Angeles, and had plenty of studio work. They certainly did not earn much money playing in Hollywood clubs. (Terry states, ” I made $11 and the band $15″..) It was the chance to hang out with their contemporaries and have big band fun.
Gibbs’ members were legendary, and served as leaders themselves. Stars such as Bill Holman, Bill Perkins, Conte Candoli, Carl Fontana, and Mel Lewis, were featured. Terry was upfront on his vibes, and his joyous yelps of joy are here to treasure.
The song list of 18 tunes are largely standards, and will be recognized. The joy they elicit is contagious. Whether it be Conte on “Moonglow,” Carl Fontana’s burnished trombone on “Let’s Dance,” or Mel Lewis’ classy drumming, it’s all here in remastered glory. The constant is Terry’s sparkling, shimmering vibes. West coast engineer extraordinaire, Wally Heider, was onboard, and the result is upfront sublime acoustics.
Happy 100, Terry! Keep on hanging on, Mr. Vibes…
—Jeff Krow
Terry Gibbs Dream Band – Vol. 7: The Lost Tapes
Tracklist:
Begin the Beguine, Back Bay Shuffle, It Might as Well Be Swing, My Reverie, After You’re Gone, I’m Getting Sentimental Over You, The Song is You, Softly As In a Morning Sunrise, Moonglow, Don’t Be That Way, Opus One, Prelude to a Kiss, Bright Eyes, Dancing in the Dark, Cottontail, Let’s Dance, No Heat, Flying Home
