“DREAM BAND.” Terry Gibbs. Contemporary C 7647....

“DREAM BAND.” Terry Gibbs. Contemporary C 7647. Dashing and slashing their way through charts by Bill Holman, Bob Brookmeyer and others, Gibbs’ 15 men were taped live at the Seville in Hollywood, reminding us in this hitherto unissued set that 1959 was a peak year for the second generation of the Swing Era. Gibbs’ vibes, Conte Candoli’s trumpet and various others are heard from, but the tough brass section and a tight sax team establish this as primarily an ensemble production, with Mel Lewis’ drums a powerhouse undercurrent.

Some of the tunes are time-worn (how much can you do with “Opus One”?), but the spirit and the arrangements elevate the material to another level. 4 stars.