Michael Gibbs - The Only Chrome Waterfall Orchestra [1975] @ 192 (British jazz)

As this album is referred to in the comments to the Pork Pie album below, so it's only fair that it be made available as well.

This is a very hard to find album from British composer, arranger Michael Gibbs. Recently some of his seventies output, originally out on Deram, was re-released. This one missed out as it was on the Bronze label, more famous for Uriah Heep, Colosseum and the like. Just how Gibbs ended up on this label is hard to fathom.

Nonetheless, it is a brilliant album and shows not only the talent of Gibbs, but also that a large ensemble can sound very modern. Despite the fact that the album is 31 years old, it still sounds absolutely fresh.

This is due in part to the vision of Gibbs and his choice of musicians. The band features Philip Catherine on guitar and Charlie Mariano on reeds, flute and nadhaswarwm (see the comments to the Pork Pie). In addition, he chose Steve Swallow for bass duties.

It is in Nairam, composed by Philip Catherine, that this totally modern appoach is best seen, a beautiful tune, with solos fom Catherine and Swallow. The electric bass solo is a prime example of how this instrument can play lead, as opposed to the bass solo designed to keep the bassist quiet. In the wonderfully rhythmic Undergrowth opening, Swallow and Catherine pump out the theme in tandum to real effect, again an imaginative and successful use of Swallow's considerable talent.

Aside from the abovementioned, Bob Moses and Jumma Santos (I think he was the percussionist at Woodstock with Hendrix) add percussive colours. As an aside, Moses has made many fine albums as leader and all are well worth seeking out.

The cream of British musicians make up the brass section including Kenny Wheeler, Henry Lowther, Chris Pyne, Ray Warleigh Alan Skidmore.

Michael Gibbs remains an unsung force in the development of modern British jazz. Aside from a clutch of innovative and enjoyable albums, he also worked with ECM Records on various projects, including Gary Burton's Seven Songs.

His cv is very broad, and includes, Mahavishnu Orchestra on Apocalypse; Uriah Heep; Joni Mitchell; Roy Harper's Valentine; Jaco Pastorius and even Back Door's Another Fine Mess. Really that about covers every musical genre! But I won't mention Whitney Houston's Whitney.

Nairam

Keep Listening!!!



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