O’s Place Reviews Gerry Gibbs’ ‘Weather or Not’

“Gerry Gibbs   –   Weather Or Not        4/3

O’s Notes: We truly enjoyed Gibb’s last effort Thrasher Dream Trio. He changes direction for his latest effort Weather or Not, a dedication to the jazz-fusion movement from Weather Report. Pianist Alex Collins, bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Gerry Gibbs form an acoustic trio (aside from touch of organ and Rhodes). The package includes two discs, the first dedicated to the music of Weather Report but in more of a straight-ahead swing style and the second containing Gibbs originals. Rather than showing up in the studio and relying on pure spontaneity for cohesion, Thrasher People actually practiced as a band for four months prior to entering the studio! The practice paid off. Disc 1: a little slow getting started but fully up to speed on “Sightseeing”, “Birdland” and “Elegant People”. Forget about that legendary Fusion groove, this is truly a new take on Weather Report’s music. Disc 2: These sixteen songs were composed by Gibbs from 1981-2016 and capture many snippets of Gerry’s life during the period. Some tunes are frolicking and some are peaceful; all are palatable.”

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