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Mike Gibbs Band: Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 1991...Playing The Music Of Mike Gibbs And John Scofield.
ByThe two set openers pair Scofield's brilliant, "Lost In Space" and the title track of his 1991 album "Meant To Be." Scofield evinces a typically sinewy solo on the former but is more restrained on the latter which, rich in lyrical poignancy, gradually gathers an ensemble momentum. Gibbs's "Roses Are Red" is replete with his trademark fanfare heavy brass arrangements but concludes with a trio passage for tenor saxophone, piano and guitar. Scofield's lengthy composition "Gill B643" comprises a robust arrangement of a dark bass vamp and memorable ensemble sections. It also benefits from Scofield's muscular contribution and an exuberant solo from Kenny Wheeler. "Don't Overdo It" is Gibbs's paean to the swinging big band era with just a hint of numbers such as "I'm Beginning To See The Light." Scofield endorses the pastiche by opening his solo with a brief quote from "St Thomas." Solos from Bill Stewart and Chris Pyne culminate in a crescendo of squealing high register horns.
On Scofield's "Pretty Out" Kenny Wheeler's trumpet soars high into the stratosphere and John Taylor renders an extraordinarily abstruse yet equally compelling piano solo. The finale is Scofield's exhilarating "Fat Lip," with the guitarist pulling out all the stops with a number that recalls George Russell at his funkiest. Whilst Gibbs provides the tonal and harmonic colour to these illustrious big band arrangements, Scofield, another Berklee alumnus, adds a perfect complement of raw, uncompromising guitar. This magnificent double CD, a glorious memento of an Arts Council / Contemporary Music Network sponsored 12 date UK tour, recalls an international musical event that sadly we witness less frequently in these austere times.
Track Listing
CD 1: Lost in Space; Meant To Be; Roses Are Red; Gill B643; Don’t Overdo It; Out Of The Question. CD 2: Pretty Out; Blueprint; Science and Religion; A World Without; Fat Lip.
Personnel
Mike Gibbs
composer / conductorMike Gibbs: trombone; John Scofield: guitar; Kenny Wheeler: trumpet, flugelhorn; Stuart Brooks, John Barclay: trumpet; Tony Coe: tenor saxophone; Julian Argüelles: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Chris Pyne: trombone; Dave Stewart: bass trombone, tuba; John Clark, John Rooke: French horn; John Taylor: piano; Steve Swallow: bass guitar, Bill Stewart: drums.
Album information
Title: Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 1991...Playing The Music Of Mike Gibbs And John Scofield. | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Dusk Fire
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About Mike Gibbs
Instrument: Composer / conductor
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