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David Gibson: Boom!
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Trombonist David Gibson's Boom!his sixth leader date, and third release on the Posi-Tone imprintis something of a fresh start. His two previous releasesA Little Somethin' (Posi-Tone, 2009) and End Of The Tunnel (Posi-Tone, 2011)were cut from the same cloth, as each largely focused on funk, soul jazz, and swing; both albums also featured the same quartetGibson on trombone, Julius Tolentino on alto saxophone, labelmate Jared Gold on organ, and Quincy Davis on drums. Now, Gibson returns with a new groupa winning quintetthat's more interested in straight-ahead statements than head-bobbing constructs.
Some of the material presented here, along with the men that present it, brings out the bolder side of Gibson. The trombonist allies himself with intrepid players like trumpeter Josh Evans, who occasionally carries the fire of Freddie Hubbard and the spirit of Woody Shaw in his horn, and pianist Theo Hill, who works his way through this music with firm-handed brilliance. Then there's the steady-as-a-rock bass work of Alexander Claffy and the swinging-turned-swatting drums of Kush Abadey to contend with. When all five men fire on all cylinders ("The High Road" and "Eyes Of Argus"), the results are breathtaking. But strength doesn't define this group. This is a quintet that's just as likely to float ("The Dance"), create a vibe tune ("Grass Fed"), or move with a spring in its step ("Persephone") as it is to muscle its way through a piece.
Gibson wrote eight of the ten songs on this record, covering everything from edgy burners to groove music ("Boom!"), but he chose to close the album with a pair of dissimilar covers"The Cupbearers," a jazz standard that's often associated with pianist Tommy Flanagan, and "Change The World," a pop piece that Eric Clapton and Babyface delivered to the masses. The former cooks and kicks while the latter moves slowly, closing out the album in earthy fashion.
Gibson's organ group always delivered good time sounds with heart and soul, but this quintet is a step above that band. This group brings out the best in his playing and his music, emphasizing the might and musicality in his work.
Some of the material presented here, along with the men that present it, brings out the bolder side of Gibson. The trombonist allies himself with intrepid players like trumpeter Josh Evans, who occasionally carries the fire of Freddie Hubbard and the spirit of Woody Shaw in his horn, and pianist Theo Hill, who works his way through this music with firm-handed brilliance. Then there's the steady-as-a-rock bass work of Alexander Claffy and the swinging-turned-swatting drums of Kush Abadey to contend with. When all five men fire on all cylinders ("The High Road" and "Eyes Of Argus"), the results are breathtaking. But strength doesn't define this group. This is a quintet that's just as likely to float ("The Dance"), create a vibe tune ("Grass Fed"), or move with a spring in its step ("Persephone") as it is to muscle its way through a piece.
Gibson wrote eight of the ten songs on this record, covering everything from edgy burners to groove music ("Boom!"), but he chose to close the album with a pair of dissimilar covers"The Cupbearers," a jazz standard that's often associated with pianist Tommy Flanagan, and "Change The World," a pop piece that Eric Clapton and Babyface delivered to the masses. The former cooks and kicks while the latter moves slowly, closing out the album in earthy fashion.
Gibson's organ group always delivered good time sounds with heart and soul, but this quintet is a step above that band. This group brings out the best in his playing and his music, emphasizing the might and musicality in his work.
Track Listing
The High Road; Rare Truth; Grass Fed; Eyes Of Argus; Persephone; Empathy; Boom!; The Dance; The Cup Bearers; Change The World.
Personnel
David Gibson
tromboneDavid Gibson: trombone; Josh Evans: trumpet; Theo Hill: piano; Alex Claffy: bass; Kush Abadey: drums.
Album information
Title: Boom! | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records
Comments
Tags
David Gibson
CD/LP/Track Review
Dan Bilawsky
Posi-Tone Records
Julius Tolentino
Jared Gold
Quincy Davis
Josh Evans
Freddie Hubbard
Woody Shaw
Theo Hill
Alex Claffy
Kush Abadey
Tommy Flanagan
Boom!