Here we find the exact same band, at the exact same venue, The Summit in Hollywood. That's about where the similarities end. Yes, Explosion is every bit as exciting, but everything has been elevated beyond where the last one left off.
When I say everything, I'm not exhagerating. Firstly, the song times are longer which means more space for solos. Gibbs takes a step back and we get to hear more from the trumpet section, as well as the saxes. The solos themselves are much more pronounced and longer as well. The arrangements are much more detailed and complex, but not to the detriment of the song. Infact this complexity I'm speaking of finds the band jamming in more exciting grooves and feels. Of course, with so much more in the pot, the level of intensity amongst the players is elevated as well. This is heard through audible soul calls and shouts of joy. When I say shouts, I am talkin about some of the fellas screaming in ecstacy - it's awesome!!
Finally, even the recording itself is a step above. Aside from clarity, there's an immediacy from the music that simply wasn't there on the last post. A wonderful tonal balance which is best defined by the horn section. The ensemble work is powerful and punchy, but always warm and thick. When soloing, we get that biting detail that gives emotional weight to the music.
Overall it's a great testimony to how incredible Gibbs was as a leader, able to get the best out of so many huge talents. Where "The Exciting Big Band" LP seems more for dancing, on Explosion we get all that plus a show of pure technical prowess. I know you guys are gonna dig it!! Contemporary added this to their series, if anyone has it I would love to hear some thoughts on the comparison. I'm sure the disc is much cleaner, but the music on this LP is really rich.
This Mercury (MG-20704) side is in excellent condition. As we have discussed how everything is elevated, the noise is no exception. As always, I have worked as closely as I can without disturbing the tunes. Overall it comes and goes, mostly getting buried within the signal. I think it's a real enjoyable listen regardless. Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC, the Gibbs fest continues - at the Crypt!! Enjoy!!
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Mercury MG-20704
Recorded Live At The Summit, Hollywood, CA
1961
Bass – Buddy Clark
Drums – Mel Lewis
Piano – Pat Moran
Saxophone – Bill Perkins, Charlie Kennedy, Jack Nimitz, Joe Maini, Richie Kamuca
Trombone – Bob Edmondson, Frank Rosolino, Vern Friley
Trumpet – Al Porcino, Conte Candoli, Frank Huggins, Ray Triscari, Stu Williamson
Vibraphone – Terry Gibbs
Drums – Mel Lewis
Piano – Pat Moran
Saxophone – Bill Perkins, Charlie Kennedy, Jack Nimitz, Joe Maini, Richie Kamuca
Trombone – Bob Edmondson, Frank Rosolino, Vern Friley
Trumpet – Al Porcino, Conte Candoli, Frank Huggins, Ray Triscari, Stu Williamson
Vibraphone – Terry Gibbs
