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Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio: Live In Studio
ByAt the time of that album's release, those last-mentioned tracks could simply be viewed as part of the well-rounded program. But looking back now, it actually seems like they were dropped as hints of what was to come. About a year-and-a-half after that first Thrasher Dream Trio album was recorded, Gibbs brought the band together again to lay things down for We're Back (Whaling City Sound, 2014), a jazz-does-R&B project with A-list guestsvibraphonist Warren Wolf, saxophonist Steve Wilson, and organist Larry Goldings. That album offered multiple helpings of Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire along with single servings of Bacharach, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, and the Average White Band. As on the trio's first album, the sparks were flying. The playing field, however, had changed a bit.
For this, the third go-around for this group, Gibbs does it again, tweaking the formula without altering the essence of the trio. This time he turned the focus toward pop-ish material from the '50s and '60sthe work of Bacharach, Henry Mancini, Michel Legrand, and others of that ilkand put an audience in front of the band, recording live at Systems Two Recording Studio. Guests are part of the package againnow it's trumpeter Roy Hargrove and vocalist Cassandra Wilson, each appearing on a few tracksand they help to add another wrinkle or two to the project without drawing focus away from the trio.
The album opens on a fluid "Wives And Lovers" that allows Barron's lyricism to shine through, gives Carter a chance to step into the spotlight, and puts Gibbs' brushwork at center stage. From there, the trio moves on with an unusually upbeat take on "The Summer Knows," a Wilson-enhanced version of "The Look Of Love" that moves from bossa nova to swing, and a variety of other familiar hits of yesteryear. Hargrove joins in for "On A Clear Day," quoting Ellington at one point and playfully trading solos with Gibbs; Vince Guaraldi's cheerfulness shines through on a perky trio performance of his "Cast Your Fate To The Wind"; "More" is transformed from a stale confection into an enjoyable swinger; and "Watch What Happens" happens twicefirst as a cheerful, Brazilian-based instrumental, then as a swing-centered feature for Wilson.
Along the way there are plenty of other bright spotsan appropriately noir-ish "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?" with Hargrove on flugelhorn, a leisurely stroll through "Girl Talk"and plenty of moments that serve as simple reminders as to why Barron and Carter are loved, respected, and emulated the world over. Their time and taste are impeccable, and when married to Gibbs' in-the-tradition drumming, you know the music is going to go in the right direction every time.
Track Listing
Wives And Lovers; The Summer Knows; The Look Of Love; Spartacus Love Theme; On A Clear Day; The Surrey With The Fringe On Top; Alfie; Watch What Happens (Instrumental); Theme From A Man And A Woman; Cast Your Fate To The WInd; What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life; More (From Mondo Cane); Watch What Happens (Vocal); Music To Watch The Girls Go By; Girl Talk; Charade.
Personnel
Album information
Title: Live In Studio | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Whaling City Sound