Had some really nice praise in the press for the new album. Excited to be in Mojo magazine’s Top 10 Jazz albums of the year (number 7). Also featured in the best releases of the year over on the London jazz blog (http://londonjazz.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/other-contributors-top-albums-of-2012.html).
A couple of other reviews: Irish Times: * * * *
The young English-born, Glasgow-resident pianist Tom Gibbs will be familiar to many Irish listeners from his playing in vocalist Lauren Kinsella’s adventurous Thought Fox quintet.
His second album under his own name features long-time Scottish co-conspirator, bassist Euan Burton, alongside the much-admired New York-based saxophonist Will Vinson and drummer James Maddren, all rising stars in their own rights, and the chemistry within the quartet is evident from the first note. The leader’s tunes are a cheerfully melancholic blend of sweet and sour, and the group bring them to life with a lightness of touch and a simmering energy that strikes a fine balance between simplicity and density.
Vinson is the recording’s dominant voice, always lyrical and creative whether on alto or soprano, but Gibbs also impresses, a thoughtful, understated pianist with a delicate touch informed by his mentor, John Taylor, and discernible traces of Fred Hersch and Brad Mehldau.
The Scotsman: * * * *
PIANIST Tom Gibbs has made a big impression on the Scottish jazz scene in recent years, and follows his co-led recording debut with bassistEuan Burton in 2010 with this strong quartet session. Burton again features in the band, alongside New York-based saxophonist Will Vinson – a major asset – and the increasingly ubiquitous James Maddren on drums. As well as the pianist’s fluent improvisations, the disc provides a showcase for his attractive compositions, which balance a bright, approachable lyricism with more intricate harmonic and rhythmic depths, and provide plenty for the musicians to get their teeth into. The album opens and closes with absorbing uptempo tunes, Jumanji and Tiny Leaps, and the tender, graceful Rebecca Song is a dedication to his young daughter. The most intriguing track, Farming Stock, is also the shortest and most experimental.
