*** GERRY GIBBS SEXTET, “The Thrasher,” Qwest
Drummer Gibbs, the 25-year-old son of vibist Terry Gibbs, features another famous offspring, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, in his fine-sounding ensemble that also includes piano, vibes, violin, bass and assorted noisemakers. All together, the group often sounds bigger than six pieces. And Gibbs demonstrates an ear for pairing instruments, matching violin and bass or soprano with vibraphone to particular orchestral effect.
Violinist Mark Feldman suggests Ray Nance on Gibbs’ frantic “F Train to Bermuda,” before harmonizing beautifully with Joe Locke’s vibraphone. Gibbs, like his father, plays strongly to the beat throughout, and also demonstrates a snappy way with the brushes. Coltrane shows he’s become his own man, an honest improviser who plays with emotion but doesn’t overstate, even on his father’s classic tune “Impressions.”
Only on the sentimental ballad “After the Dawn” does Gibbs over-indulge in this instrumental brew.
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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (excellent).
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