Artist: Mike Gibbs

Date of Release: 01/01/2001

Catalogue no: PVC1027

Label: Provocateur

Price: £5

This item is currently not available

Track Listing

This new release from big band arranger/ composer Mike Gibbs - his first major album for 13 years - comes via the busy UK independent label Provocateur. Interestingly this album is put together on both sides of the pond - the New York big band features players like Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff, Earl Gardner, Chris Potter, Billy Kilson and Steve Swallow while the NDR musicians include Christof Lauer, Marcio Doctor and UK drummer Mark Mondesir. Who's playing what is not so easy to spot - notes on the sleeve provide some clues but it's refreshing to let the European/US musicians intermingle in these times of Euro versus US jazz sniping. The composition is fresh and strong, part written and part improvised, and the players chosen are completely sympathetic to Gibbs's vibe. It ranges from the African style of Now Listen Here through Gil Evans-like textures on a remixed Moonlight Serenade, to the loud and brash Knees Up Mother. The alto playing of Chris Hunter on With All Due Respect is particularly beautiful.

Aug 2001

Recorded in Hamburg and New York during February and May 2001, composer / arranger Mike Gibbs recruited a 17-piece band that includes Lew Soloff, Randy Brecker, Earl Gardner, Chris Potter, Chris Hunter, Jim Pugh, Hiram Bullock, Steve Swallow and Billy Kilson. In Hamburg he worked with the NDR Big Band - featuring Christof Lauer, Claus Stotter and Vladyslav Sendecki – one of the most technically accomplished and propulsive big bands in Europe. Together they have produced one of the most thrilling and refreshingly original big band albums in recent times - a recording that is set to become the benchmark for all that follows. His composition 'Sweet Rain' has been recorded many times (Stan Getz, Stephane Grappelli, Gary Burton et al) and is now something of a jazz standard.

Reviews