Jazz Articles about Melvin Gibbs

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Melvin Gibbs Elevated Entity: Ancients Speak

by Glenn Astarita
April 15, 2009

Bassist Melvin Gibbs is a multi-talented and pivotal figure on New York City's downtown scene. On Ancients Speak, co-produced by renegade guitarist and experimental composer Arto Lindsay, Gibbs mixes a potpourri of African vocals, hip hop, Latin grooves, rap, and tribal chants, along with divergent stylizations that transform into a distinct entity.

Ancients Speak helps launch a new label, LiveWired Music, with a curious polytonal gumbo--yet Gibbs remains a merchant of good cheer throughout, providing a fluid undercurrent ...