Mike Gibbs: And On the Third Day

Track

And On the Third Day

Group

Michael Gibbs

CD

Michael Gibbs (Deram 844 907-2)

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Musicians:

Big band led by Mike Gibbs, and including Kenny Wheeler, Henry Lowther, Derek Watkins (trumpet); Chris Pyne, Bobby Lamb (trombone); John Surman, Alan Skidmore, Ray Warleigh, Mike Osborne (reeds); Chris Spedding (guitar), Jack Bruce (bass), John Marshall, Tony Oxley (drums), plus French horns, tuba, percussion and cellos

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Composed and arranged by Mike Gibbs

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Recorded: London, 1970

Albumcovermichaelgibbs

Rating: 98/100 (learn more)

When “Sweet Rain” became the title track of a Stan Getz album, everyone wanted to know who composed it. It was Mike Gibbs, and this, his debut album marked him out as a major talent. “And On the Third Day” is the album’s highspot, with its wonderful legato phrasing, lazy rhythmic feel and superb solos from Pyne, Surman and a “final melee” where Skidmore and Osborne join Surman. No big band had sounded like this, thanks to a combination of masterful orchestration and sensitive interpretation. Gibbs would go on to great things, but like a novelist with a celebrated debut, would not top this maiden voyage. But then, neither would anyone else.

Reviewer: Stuart Nicholson

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