School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Terry Gibbs

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Terry Gibbs, born Julius Gubenko in New York in 1924, is an American vibraphonist and band leader. At twelve he won an amateur contest as a xylophonist. During his military service he played drums in army bands. Afterwards he worked in New York with Bill DeArango and in 1946 recorded with Tiny Kahn in Aaron Sachs's quintet. He played or recorded with Tommy Dorsey, Chubby Jackson, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Alice Coltrane, Louie Bellson and Mel Tormé. In the 1950s he appeared on American television, including on Steve Allen's programme, with which he played lively vibraphone duets. In 2024 he turned a hundred.

Music and breakthrough

In 1958 he moved from New York to California. There he built a big band of his own, the Dream Band. In 1959 it played in Los Angeles at the clubs Seville and Sundown, on evenings when the best jazz and studio musicians in Hollywood were available. The regular core had Mel Lewis on drums. Important players were Joe Maini, Bill Holman, Med Flory, Al Porcino, Conte Candoli and Frank Rosolino. Arrangements came from, among others, Bill Holman, Marty Paich and Al Cohn, written so that Gibbs's vibraphone was in the foreground. Between 1959 and 1961 four albums appeared, including Swing Is Here! and Explosion!. Later more live tapes were released.

Influence

Gibbs plays fast and fiery, with a light, clear vibraphone sound above a swinging big band. His Dream Band is regarded as an example of West Coast big band jazz, and he won Down Beat and Metronome polls.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a track by the Dream Band from Swing Is Here! and notice how the vibraphone keeps sounding above the swelling horns.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

See also

Categories: Artists