Terry Gibbs has left an indelible mark on the jazz world since 1947. With more than 65 albums to his credit and as the creator of over 300 compositions, the vibist continues to impress his fans with the addition of
52nd & Broadway: Songs of the Bebop Era to his repertoire.
Gibbs pays homage to the jazz artists and their timeless standards with the accompaniment of an excellent rhythm section, a string section, and guest soloists
James Moody,
Nicholas Payton,
Sam Most, and
Tom Ranier. The 12-track recording opens with
Monk's "Round Midnight," which
Gibbs treats as a bossa nova. With two superior solos and sublime call and response from
Gibbs on vibes and
Payton on trumpet, this song is both reflective and buoyant. On
Lester Young's blues "Jumping With Symphony Sid," tenor saxophonist master
James Moody and
Gibbs compliment each other with their bouncing bebop elements and share that personal quality so essential in great jazz. No homage to the Bebop Era would be complete without "Groovin' High," one of the signature songs from the time period. Great soloing from
Gibbs,
Payton, and
Moody (now playing alto saxophone) makes this song a keeper. While
Dizzy Gillespie and
Charlie Parker played the song at a blazing tempo on most occasions,
Gibbs' tempos get many different treatments. Further, his ability to swing pretty on "Night in Tunisia" is one more reason to cherish this rendition. One of the many highlights is his rendition of
Billie Holiday's big hit "Lover Man," as an affecting ballad with additional colors from
Sam Most's alto flute.
52nd & Broadway: Songs of the Bebop Era belongs in every serious jazz collection. ~ Paula Edelstein