Giant Steps – 1987
Terry Gibbs and Buddy DeFranco
The vibraphonist and clarinetist play a John Coltrane standard
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Although they had parallel careers coming out of the bebop era, vibraphonist Terry Gibbs and clarinetist Buddy DeFranco did not record together until 1978.
They became best friends and co-led eight consistently exciting albums during 1981-98.
Because they originally became famous as beboppers, one would not associate John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” with either Gibbs or DeFranco but, as they show on this 1987 performance, the complex chord changes were no problem for them, or for pianist John Campbell who also solos.
With bassist Todd Coolman and Terry’s son drummer Gerry Gibbs offering support, the co-leaders (filmed at Joe Segal’s legendary Jazz Showcase in Chicago) perform their own fresh version of the Coltrane classic.
-Scott Yanow
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