Two records up next because after that, a mountain of Dizzy Gillespie.

Mike Gibbs & Gary Burton – In the Public Interest – Such a cool record.  I feel in love with Gibbs’ writing when I first heard the Getz album Sweet Rain.  It was a big move for me, when I moved to Boston – especially given the personnel on this album – and Gibbs played a tiny part in that story.  I came to Boston to study at Berklee, and in my second (and final) semester, I was in an ear training class taught by Mitch Haupers, who I am honored and delighted to sit next to in Harmony Department faculty meetings.  He introduced me to two possibilities, and both involved meeting heroes of mine.  First, he asked me if I wanted to attend a private master class with Mick Goodrick, which I was to chicken to do.  Then, he asked me if I wanted to meet Mike Gibbs, which I was…too chicken to do.  The personnel on this record have so many heroes, but also people who have helped me be less chicken.  Most importantly, for me, is Bob Moses, who plays drums on side 2.  His influence on me has been huge.  In fact, I continue to learn and relearn the things he taught me when I was able to play with and study with him.  He’s truly a master, and one of the greatest teachers I have ever had.  This record marks the first recording of Gibbs and Moses.  Goodrick is on this record, and I am continually amazed that I had the chance to play with him…three times!  Steve Swallow is on here.  When I met him, I was no longer chicken, I was just shy.  Al Zavod is on here – I never met him, but I love his playing with Frank Zappa.  And, Jeff Stout is on this record – he was my jazz history teacher at Berklee, and is one of the hippest trumpet players in Boston (I played with him a few times, but only one time was good – it was a jazz gig, the others were functions and not exactly the most satisfying).  But Gibbs!  What a writer!  This album should be essential listening for every individual thinking about composing for jazz musicians, as should his albums The Only Chrome Coloured Waterfall and Big Music.

Tiziana Ghiglioni – Somebody Special – A Steve Lacy album, really, but without Irene Aebi.  Seems like it’s about the period of Revenue, which is one of the great Lacy records.  I love Lacy and his band on this record, but it’s a bit tense throughout.  Ghiglioni is very strong, and a constant focal point – I mean, hey, it’s her record, after all!  But it’s really a Lacy album, and he and his mates sound great.

Enjoy, R.