Jazz vocalist Faith Gibson weaves subtle humor into her interpretations of standards and original jazz tunes, separating her from the pack with a sound that’s ideal for listeners who want “talent without all the baggage.” Gibson has been described as “ultra-cool but totally unpretentious,” and her latest release Big Moon as “one of 2009's best surprises.”
Since her debut performance at the Glasgow Jazz Festival in 2003, Faith Gibson has performed in the UK and in Cologne, Bonn and Berlin, Germany and recorded two CDs, You Don’t Know Me (2004) and Big Moon (2009).
Big Moon:
”Sometimes you just know. It takes two or three tunes to verify it, but as the well-written originals continue, one can distinguish quality song writing. Faith Gibson, a new name to me, contributes a few tunes here and turns other selections over to very hip wordsmith Christopher Morse. His melodies, along with those of others here, are fresh and invigorating. And Ms. Gibson interprets these tunes in an ultra-cool but totally unpretentious manner that she’s seemingly perfect for the task. Gibson chooses a small jazz group, all unknown names to me, to provide ideal, understated backup. The two standards on the disc are also performed with pizazz. Gibson isn’t going to spin your head around with show biz shtick. Instead there’s a touch of Meredith d’Ambrosio or Lorraine Feather here and there. In any case, I really liked her approach and wouldn’t mind hearing more from her.”
--George Fendel - Jazzscene Magazine - Jazz Society of Oregon
”Faith has done her homework and is a savvy vocal stylist. “Big Moon” is one of 2009's best surprises!”
-- Mike Reisz, WDPS Dayton, Ohio
”Though Faith Gibson has plenty of chops, it's her attitude that drew me in. There's a sincerity in her voice that puts the ears at ease. She's the 'jazz singer next door.' How this fits in with the 'built for speed' thing is a topic for another review.”
-- Review of the track Be a Man, Baby by Mark Saleski, www.jazz.com
“...Stop kicking the cat at the end of a hard day and kick off your shoes, pour a red wine, pull up a comfy chair and listen. Faith's style is modern without losing a sense of the traditional. My favourite here is 'That's Right, It Was You' which is a real tear-jerker, but every track here sounds like it was pulled from the Great American Songbook -- no mean feat when you consider most of the CD is new material, including Faith's own composition, the light-hearted admonition to 'Be a Man, Baby', that perfectly embodies her great mix of contemporary lyrical and traditional jazz styles.
The band here also deserves a pat on the back for their laid back but classy underpinning of one of the best new jazz vocalists around.”
-- John Hurd, Music Editor - Bonn English Network Website
”It's truly a pleasure to feature your recording - every cut is a treasure, and the album is a joy!”
-- John Segers, Music Director, WUCF-FM 89.9 “Jazz and More”
“...The early moves of this set show Gibson to be someone that learned her Blossom Dearie lessons well...an up and comer, still studying with left of center teachers and using interpretive skills as much as vocal skills to craft one of those familiar yet different experiences. A jazz vocalist more for today than grandpa consumption, she’s mastered the sound you would hear in a contemporary, left leaning jazz performance space.”
--Chris Spector, Midwest Record
You Don't Know Me:
”Faith Gibson's CD has a wonderful mix of ten songs in the blues tradition. “Honeysuckle Rose” (Waller/Razaf) possesses a wonderful upbeat vocal. She's everywhere in a take that never lets up. Even the title song (Walker/Arnold), a country hit, is like putty in her hands as a fine bluesy vocal. The Kingston Trio's “Scotch and Soda” (Guard) is a stand out. Faith really turns it on here. She gives forth with a mouth watering sexy vocal. I also adored “Don’t Like Goodbyes” (Arlen/Capote). In over six minutes Ms. Gibson brings forth a most mellow whispery voice to this remarkable ballad. Finally Faith really sings out on “'Round Midnight” (Williams/Monk/Hanighen). She's really aided here by J.P. Webber on guitars and other strings.”
--Dan Singer's column Singer's Singers in In Tune International, January 2010, no. 215
“This is a marvelous first album. When you find a voice that can relate to such powerful beauty, you might as well embrace her and cherish her for many years to come.”
-- Esther Berlanga-Ryan, radio broadcaster
“A lively collection of blues-tinged jazz vocals make this an entertaining and enjoyable listening experience. Every song is a delight. … Every performance is topnotch!”
-- Lee Prosser, www.jazzreview.com
on Live365.com chosen as Editor's Pick
