Concert Review: Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio at Narrows
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
Concert Review: Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio at Narrows
Dream Trio
For bandleader Gibbs, the band is truly a dream trio. As a son of a well known vibraphonist, he grew up admiring the work of his band mates, who are both a generation older than their “leader.” He’s idolized the two distinguished veterans since he was a kid, even using the name Ron Carter instead of his own in his 7th grade yearbook.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSo in 2014, it came as little surprise for those familiar with the players, when the Trio’s debut album, Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio, went to the top of the jazz charts for several weeks and was later nominated for a Grammy Award. The trend continued with their second album, We’re Back, which was released last fall and spent seven weeks atop the Jazz charts.
First Set
Saturday’s show covered all bases – some Jazz classics, a couple of originals from each member, and a good deal of improvisation from each artist. The show opened with the Thelonius Monk’s “Epistrophy,” the band providing a modern take on the Monk classic. The Trio previously recorded the song, the first cut on their first CD.
Next up was Carter’s original “Third Plane,” which featured an extended bass solo. Then Carter, jumping and sliding all over his strings, held court on an improvised solo infused with some humor. Strains of “You are My Sunshine,” and the “Mickey Mouse Club” theme blended with chords of J.S. Bach.
Burt Bachrach’s “Wives and Lovers” followed, a simple melody done in 6/8 time, allowing Barron to really stretch out and build on the theme. Another Monk favorite, “Well, You Needn’t” came next, an up-tempo tune, with Gibbs worthily keeping up with his senior partners.
The drummer then shared the story of how he met his wife, Kyeshie, “Skype”-ing with her on early “dates,” leading to his composition, “The Woman on the TV Screen.” The tune has all the elements of a classic jazz ballad, a tender poem to the woman he would later marry.
The first set closed with the Henry Mancini masterpiece, “Charade,” from the 1963 movie of the same name, (which starred Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn.) The song is a percussionist’s dream, and was a cheerful ride for Gibbs and his mates ending with an extended drum solo.
Second Set
After a short break, (“we signed over 100 autographs - time for a ballad,” joked Gibbs), the Trio returned with Sonny Rollins “Three Little Words.” Kenny Barron’s composition “Sunflower” came next, a tune covered on the band’s first album. It’s an absolutely beautiful song - a gorgeous melody, where Barron completely unwraps the theme and then bottles it back up again.
Barron’s playing is lyrical and melodic; he makes every note count, moving in and out of grooves seamlessly. He is simply one of the world’s greatest living jazz pianists, often mentioned in the same breath as Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock.
After a Barron solo, the Trio attacked Ron Carter’s “Eighty-One,” a post-bop gem “from back in the Miles Davis period.” A funky duet with Gibbs and Carter followed, a Mingus influenced free-for-all with Carter conjuring up riffs from “Sesame Street” and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind” among others. The bassist is likely treading on familiar ground – he’s played on over 2,500 recordings over a 50+ year career.
The show closed with a swinging version of the Average White Band classic “Pick Up the Pieces,” which was featured on their 2nd album. It was a rewarding finale, but also a reminder of the only (minor) disappointment of the evening. “Pieces” was the only R&B/Soul tune from the recent release “We’re Back.” A Stevie Wonder song or two might have added a little extra buzz for those less familiar with the more traditional material. The arrangements on the album are stellar, and well deserve to be heard in a live show.
Classic Jazz
Playing with his idols is clearly a delight for Gibbs, and he gave them ample space to stretch out at numerous points during the show. He’s an unassuming leader, and you got the sense that he was the truly enjoying the experience of playing alongside two authentic jazz legends.
Their music is quite accessible for the casual listener. This is a good band for you to check out if you are “Pop/Rock, but curious” about Jazz. The vibe is familiar for fans of the Charlie Brown’s Christmas soundtrack, Dave Brubeck, or 70’s R&B classics.
But there’s serious depth to the quality of the music as well. These guys know how to swing. The band brings out the essence of jazz – a trio that plays together as a unit, but allows for solos that highlight the unique talents of each individual. The setting is also a part of the jazz tradition which allows the “sideman” to take charge – Baron and Carter are more well known, but the album concept, song selection and arrangements are all Gibbs.
Local Label
Both Thrasher Dream Trio releases were produced by Whaling City Sound, a New Bedford based label that focuses on jazz and blues artists. Owner Neal Weiss who introduced the band, is credited with bringing the three artists together. In his closing, he hinted that they might return someday soon. Let’s hope so, as this Trio has many more good things to offer.
Ken Abrams review roots, rock, jazz and blues for GoLocalProv. E-Mail comments here.
30 Hottest Spring and Summer Concerts in New England
John Mellencamp
Thursday, April 16
Providence Performing Arts Center
The classic rocker brings his "Plain Spoken" tour to Providence on April 16. On this tour, Mellencamp mixes a healthy dose of songs from his last several albums, along with classics like "Jack and Diane", "Rain on the Scarecrow", and "The Authority Song."
The Beach Boys
Friday, April 17
Twin River Events Center, Lincoln, RI
Expect more than 30 classic hits to be performed by Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, and crew as they roll in to Twin River on Friday April 17. Timeless classics from "Surfin USA" to "Kokomo" will be played as they usher in the summer with songs about cars, surfing, and the beach. Just what we need after the winter we've had.
Sixx:AM
Tuesday, April 21
The first headlining tour for Sixx:AM makes its New England stop at the Palladium in Worcester. The band, consisting of Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx, Guns 'N Roses' DJ Ashba, and record producer James Michael, saw some chart success with the rock radio hit "Stars" this year.
The Juliana Hatfield Three
Tuesday, April 21
Massachusetts native Juliana Hatfield is touring behind the 21st Anniversary of her landmark "Become What You Are" album
Her newly reconsitituted early 90's alternative rock combo has been getting rave reviews on their current tour, which swings through Providence on April 21. Their SXSW appearance was described as “…a moving and impressively tight set that reminded a good crowd of why she is a trailblazer, and why songs like “Feelin’ Massachusetts” and “President Garfield” and “I Got No Idols” define the dark, honest eloquence of alternative rock.”
The Fab Faux
Friday, April 24
Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, Providence
You'll never get a chance to see the Beatles again. This might just be the next best thing. Led by Will Lee, the bass player in David Letterman's house band, the Fab Faux painstakingly recreate the sound of the Beatles. On this tour, they're playing the "Rubber Soul" album in it's entirety, along with other hits from the Beatles' vast repertoire.
Kenny Chesney
Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25
Friday, August 28 and Saturday, Augst 29
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA - with Jason Aldean
In what's become a multi-year tradition, country superstar will bring his "No Shoes Nation" to Gillette Stadium for 2 nights this August. It's become one of the the hottest tickets of the summer - and you can get a spring "preview" of the show (without Jason Aldean) at Mohegan Sun later this April.
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox
Friday, May 1
Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, Providence
The viral video sensation of the year is coming to Providence. You know that group that does the "old fashioned" versions of current pop songs? (Check out their take on Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" below.) They're bringing their stage show to Lupo's in Providence this May. Advance ticket sales have been brisk, and this show will sell out, so get your tickets early!
Florida Georgia Line
Thursday, May 7
Dunkin' Donuts Center, Providence
This country duo (they're brothers) has been blowing up the charts since 2010. If you listen to country radio, it's hard to escape their hits - songs like Stay, This is How We Roll, Dirt, and Cruise. They bring their high energy show to the Dunk on May 7.
Godsmack
Friday, May 8
The Massachusetts based quartet first smashed their way into the music scene in 1995 and have had 20 Top 10 Hits. They will be joined by Special Guest Papa Roach for a performance at the DCU Center.
Boston Calling
Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24
City Hall Plaza, Boston
This 3 day festival is held every Spring and Fall on City Hall Plaza in Downtown Boston. This spring, the lineup includes Beck, Tenacious D, The Pixies, and My Morning Jacket.
The Who
Sunday, May 24
The Who celebrate their 50th anniversary with a mega world tour, where they’re playing all of their hits, from “I Can’t Explain” to “Baba O’Rielly”. The tour stops at Mohegan at 5/24, wraps around the country, and comes back to Boston later this fall.
New Kids On The Block
Friday, June 12
Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25
Break out your leggings and swatches - New Kids on the Block hit the road this spring and summer with TLC and Nelly for the “Hit After Hit After Hit” Tour. The tour will stop at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut before 2 nights in Boston at the TD Garden.
Dave Matthews Band
Saturday, June 13
The popular jam band makes their perrenial stop at the XFinity Center in Mansfield this summer, promising 2 sets of music each night. Expect some new material, exploritory jamming, and hits like “Crash,” “Ants Marching,” and “What Would You Say.”
Image Credit: Matthew Straubmuller/Flickr
Steve Miller Band
Friday, June 19
Twin River Event Center, Lincoln, RI
The Joker. The Space Cowboy. The Gangster of Love. Steve Miller is known by many different names, and he brings his show to Twin River in Lincoln on June 16. Expect takes on all of his classics like “Jungle Love”, “Space Cowboy”, “Abacadabra”, and more.
Morrissey
Wednesday, June 24
The Independent in the UK famously wrote that "most pop stars have to be dead before they reach the iconic status he has reached in his lifetime" and Pitchfork regards him as "one of the most singular figures in Western popular culture.”
Morrissey’s solo career began in 1988, after the dissolution of The Smiths, with the release of Viva Hate. His influence on music and culture has continued to grow over the past three decades through the release of ten globally acclaimed studio albums and an array of singles
Kid Rock
Thursday, June 25
Kid Rock comes to the XFinity Center this summer with classic rockers Foreigner, and the show is the value of the summer. If you buy your tickets in person at Walmart or the box office, tickets are just $20, no fees, no surcharges. No wonder he's calling it the "Cheap Date Tour."
Imagine Dragons
Wednesday, July 1
TD Garden, Boston
They're one of the biggest bands on earth right now - and their songs are played on both pop and rock radio - a rare feat these days - The "Demons" and "Radioactive" chart toppers bring their show to Boston on July 1.
Brian Wilson
Thursday, July 2
Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Boston
The genius behind the Beach Boys' biggest hits has a new album of his own out this spring. After a short reunion with the touring Beach Boys featuring Mike Love, Wilson is back out on his own, with one of the best backing bands in the business, along with Beach Boys alums Alan Jardine and Blondie Chaplin. Mike Love's Beach Boys are excellent vocalists and musicians and deliver a fun show, but there's something about being in the presence of the man who wrote and arranged the material that makes it a little more special.
U2
July 10,11,14, and 15
TD Garden, Boston
After getting the world's attention by partnering with Apple to put their new album on everyone's iPhone, and Bono subsequently taking a nasty tumble in Central Park, the Dublin rockers are back on tour this summer, opting for arenas rather than stadiums this time around. Fans are promised varied setlists among the 4 shows, so die hards are shelling out for all 4 nights.
Foo Fighters
Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19
Foo Fighters have a new album "Sonic Highways", that debuted this winter with an excellent mini series on HBO which delved into the musical histories of 8 American cities.
Boston didn't make the list, but they've still grabbed one of the hot "Fenway Concert" weekends this summer. Local favorites The Dropkick Murphys open Sunday night's show, which will include a healthy dose of new material, classics, and covers, like the Faces' "Stay with Me" and KISS's "Detroit Rock City", both of which the Foos have been adding to their setlists lately.
Taylor Swift
Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25
Argueably the biggest star in the world of music right now, Taylor Swift is riding high on the success of her smash new record, 1989. The part time Rhode Island resident who just got a tax named after her has been known to pull out some special happenings at her Gillette shows - last year Carly Simon joined her on stage for a rousing turn on "You're So Vain."
Photo: Eva Rinaldi/Flickr
Newport Folk Festival
Friday July 24 - Sunday, July 26
This year's Newport Folk Festival features Iron and Wine, Calexico, Brandi Carlisle, J Mascis, and more. More artists are set to be announced as we get closer to the weekend of the festival, which usually sells out no matter what the lineup is, year after year.
Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson
Tuesday, July 28
Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Boston, MA
A 90's gothy double bill if there ever was one. Billy Corgan's Smashing Pumpkins and shock-rockers Marilyn Manson have teamed up to tour this summer and bring their show to the Blue Hills Bank Pavillion out on the wharf in Boston.
It's a beautiful summer venue right on the water, so the juxtoposition of the dark moody music should be very interesting.
Photo: Chris Bolan/Flickr
Newport Jazz Festival
Friday, July 31 - Sunday, August 2
The other big Newport festival ushers out July and ushers August in with an impressive lineup including Cassandra WIlson, Dr John, Bil Frisell, Jamie Cullum, and Snarky Puppy.
Van Halen
Saturday, August 1
Eddie Van Halen changed the way guitarists play the guitar. The 80's rockers take another victory lap with original frontman David Lee Roth, who may have lost some of his high end vocals, but his stage presence is still larger than life, Eddie is playing better than ever, and his son Wolfgang is ably handling the bass duties.
Photo: Anirudh Koul/Flickr
James Taylor
Thursday, August 6
James Taylor has sold out Fenway Park. Have no fear -tickets are still available on the secondary market, and it's widely considered to be one of the summer's must-attend shows. Taylor has a new album he's touring behind, but expect a show heavy on the classics.
Zac Brown Band
Friday August 7, and Saturday, August 8
3 nights at Fenway- The Zac Brown Band is country for people who don't like country, and for those who love country. His backing band is full of astounding musicians, and they do mean Black Sabbath and Metallica covers, too.
Jimmy Buffett
Saturday, August 15
All you parrotheads listen up: Jimmy Buffett brings his Coral Reefer Band back to Mansfield for his yearly show. The parking lot scene is almost as anticipated as the concert itself, with mini beach bars and cabanas cropping up everywhere. If you can't have fun at a Jimmy Buffett show, we don't know what to tell you.
Motley Crue
Saturday, August 15
Another round of the "really this is it seriously we're gonna retire after this tour but we keep adding shows so who knows if it ever really will end" tour hits Worcester in August. The Crue has one of the best opening acts with them- the legendary Alice Cooper. So make sure you show up early- the warm up set is not to be missed.
Image: Drew Ressler/Flickr
AC/DC
Saturday, August 15
AC/DC does everything BIG. Big new album, big tour, big stadium. They bring their over the top rock and roll show to Gillette August 15. A man in his 60's in a school boy uniform, cannons, bagpipes, this show has it all. Fire!
