Michael Gibbs and the NDR Big Band: Back In The Days
Author: Brian Priestley
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Musicians: |
Gary Burton (vib) |
Label: |
Cuneiform |
Magazine Review Date: |
June/2012 |
Catalogue Number: |
Rune322 |
RecordDate: |
24 Nov 1995-15 Dec 2003 |
Appearing simultaneously with Gibbs' recently re-recorded arrangements for the NDR and Norma Winstone on Here's A Song For You, this is a retrospective covering five appearances over a period of eight years. Apart from the fluidity in the drum chair, there's considerable continuity in personnel but the only outsider included is Burton on the three earliest tracks, seemingly done in concert and concluding with the inevitable but still exciting Gibbs arrangement of ‘Country Roads’. As well as the leader's originals and one ballad by pianist Sendecki, there are three American standards which are more obviously solo features, including an interesting post-Gil Evans ‘Round Midnight’. Gibbs manages to write in a way that avoids cliche and leaves just enough space for the soloists. As aresult, tenorist Lauer imposes his rather idiosyncratic approach not only on ‘I Want To Talk About You’ but on Gibbs' own ballad ‘Antique’. An initial adverse reaction about the programming of the compilation has been conquered by the fascinating detail of individual tracks.

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