TERRY GIBBS
52nd & Broadway: Songs Of The Bebop Era
(Mack Avenue Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Terry Gibbs started professionally in music during 1947, and made his first recording under his leadership in 1951. Gibbs was just a teenager when he first heard bebop, and it made an immediate impression on him. 52nd & Broadway: Songs Of The Bebop Era is Gibbs' homage to bebop and gets its name from the two block section of 52nd Street in New York City where bebop first caught hold.

The musicians on this album are Terry Gibbs: vibes and vocals; Nicholas Payton: trumpet; James Moody: alto and tenor saxophones; Sam Most: flute and vocals; Jeff Hamilton: drums; Tom Ranier: piano; Dave Carpenter: bass; and a rather large orchestra. All the performers play with enormous drive and enthusiasm, especially Payton. When I first listen to this cd I was in my car and did not have the liner notes nearby. However, Payton's playing so impressed me, upon returning home, I rushed to the stereo to find out who was the trumpet player.

Gibbs' vibe playing is faultless throughout and everyone plays with exuberance and bravura. Obviously all enjoyed making this recording. The songs are always full of thoughtful, uncompromising improvisation performed by first rate musicians. My only complaint concerns the inclusion of the string section. For my ears, they serve more as a minor distraction than an integral part of each song. When they play, they make the music sound pleasant rather than passionate. Overall, though, 52nd & Broadway: Songs Of The Bebop Era is a wonderfully exciting recording by one of the more original and imaginative people in all of jazz. Kudos to Terry Gibbs once again.

Track List: Round Midnight * Jumping With Symphony Sid * Lemon Drop * If You Could See Me Now * Groovin' High * Cherokee * Night In Tunisia * Lover Mna * Salt Peanuts * Perdido * Doxy * Bobstacle Course

© 2004 - Ron Saranich