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Terry Gibbs Dream Band – The Sundown Sessions Volume 2 – Cassette

The Sundown Sessions Volume 2 is part of a series of live recordings from the famed Terry Gibbs Dream Band, an all-star big band led by the renowned vibraphonist Terry Gibbs. Recorded in the late 1950s but released decades later, the Sundown Sessions capture the energy and precision of one of the most celebrated big bands of the era. Known for their thrilling live performances, the Dream Band featured some of the top West Coast jazz musicians of the time, blending high-level musicianship with intricate arrangements and swinging rhythms.

The legendary Terry Gibbs Dream Band, a notable unit that from 1959-62 made a few albums for Mercury and Verve, was well served by the five CDs of previously unreleased material released by Contemporary in the late 1980s. Vol. 2 has charts by Bill Holman, Al Cohn, Manny Albam, Lennie Niehaus and Med Flory on six swing-era songs and four later tunes, including Gibbs’ ‘The Fat Man.’ Of the soloists featured during this live set, which also resulted in part of Vol. 3, vibraphonist Gibbs, trumpeter Conte Candoli, altoists Joe Maini and Charlie Kennedy, Bill Perkins on tenor and pianist Lou Levy are most notable. Recommended for fans of swinging big bands.

The Terry Gibbs Dream Band is recognized for its high-octane, hard-swinging big band jazz sound, rooted in the traditions of the Bebop and Swing eras but with a more modern, energetic approach. The band’s repertoire is characterized by complex arrangements, sharp ensemble playing, and powerful solos.
Gibbs, as a vibraphonist, brought a unique voice to the big band setting, leading the band with his intricate, percussive approach to the instrument. His vibes work often serves as both a melodic and rhythmic element within the band’s performances. The band’s sound is defined by its tight horn sections (trumpets, trombones, and saxophones), driving rhythm section, and Gibbs’ dynamic leadership. The arrangements typically showcase a balance between ensemble passages and solo spots, with ample space for improvisation.

The Dream Band’s arrangements are often complex and tightly woven, reflecting the influence of bebop while retaining the power and grandeur of the big band format. The arrangements feature intricate harmonies and quick changes between ensemble passages and solo sections. Bill Holman, one of the most respected arrangers of the era, contributed many of the Dream Band’s charts. Holman’s arrangements balance sophistication with swing, allowing the band to navigate between aggressive, fast-paced sections and more subtle, laid-back grooves with ease. The band excels in balancing sections of tight ensemble work with moments of high-energy solos, creating performances that are both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.

The live setting of the Sundown Club, where these sessions were recorded, adds a sense of immediacy and excitement to the performances. The band’s chemistry is evident throughout the recording, with a palpable connection between the musicians as they respond to each other’s solos and feed off the energy of the audience. The recording captures the spirit of a live jazz club performance, where the band’s virtuosity is on full display, but there’s also an element of spontaneity and fun that keeps the music fresh and engaging.

The Terry Gibbs Dream Band was a key player in the West Coast jazz scene of the late 1950s and early 1960s, and their live performances were legendary. While big bands were starting to decline in popularity during this period, Gibbs’ band kept the format vibrant by bringing a modern edge to traditional swing and bebop. The release of these Sundown Sessions many years later helped preserve the band’s legacy, offering a snapshot of one of the great big bands of its era. For jazz historians and fans of big band music, these recordings are an essential document of a group that combined technical brilliance with a deep love for the music.

The Dream Band’s influence extended beyond its immediate audience, impacting future generations of jazz musicians and arrangers who were inspired by the band’s approach to blending traditional swing with more modern jazz elements.

The Sundown Sessions Volume 2 by Terry Gibbs Dream Band is a vibrant, swinging collection that captures the essence of one of the great post-bebop big bands. With its mix of classic swing tunes, Latin influences, and intricate arrangements, the album showcases the band’s technical prowess, rhythmic energy, and ability to engage an audience in a live setting. For fans of big band jazz and lovers of high-energy, sophisticated swing, this album is an essential listen that preserves the legacy of one of the finest jazz ensembles of its era.

Pablo Records

Song List
1. The Song Is You
2. Moonglow
3. The Fat Man
4. It Could Happen To You
5. Back Bay Shuffle
6. Dancing In The Dark
7. Blue Lou
8. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
9. No Heat
10. My Reverie
11. The Claw