Trombonist, composer, and arranger David Gibson, celebrated for his 2024 album Fellowship, brings his dynamic nonet to Dizzy's Club on November 21. Featuring six horns, Hammond organ, guitar, and drums, Gibson’s performance promises a captivating journey through innovative jazz that blends tradition with unexpected twists.
Gibson spoke to WBGO's "Drive Time" host Brian Delp about his upcoming gig as well as a career that has intertwined with jazz legends.
Gibson’s early experience in New York saw him performing alongside Slide Hampton, as well as Jon Faddis, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, and others.
Gibson is currently active on the New York music scene as a trombonist, composer, arranger, educator, musical director, and bandleader. His passion for music began as a teen in Oklahoma and continues to galvanize his life as part of the supportive community of jazz artists based in and around New York City that he calls his “musical family”.
As a bandleader for many years, Gibson says he takes a collaborative approach when putting together his players.
"I enjoy all the groups that I play with but you're always negotiating a really interesting conversation. As a band leader, when you contract personnel you're really inviting people to a dinner party. The guests at the dinner party determine what kind of conversations are possible and where they might go."
Gibson says he's extremely proud of his latest album Fellowship released on Orrin Evans' Imani Records.
"I was very grateful to have Orrin (Evans) put that record out. All that music on that record came from COVID. When COVID hit we really didn't have the opportunity to play music for people. I, like I'm sure all my peers and audience members, were all missing it. What I started doing as soon as the weather got okay we started playing outdoors with that quartet. We would play outdoors when there was outdoor dining and it was pretty amazing. I didn't even feel like I could play but I started writing music during that time."
In 2003, he was a finalist in the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Trombone Competition and has subsequently released seven recordings as a bandleader. His varied groups, ranging in size from a quartet to nonet, perform regularly at several NYC venues including Smalls, Dizzy’s, SMOKE, Fat Cat, and the Django while featuring his sizable library of unique compositions and arrangements.
Gibson’s arrangements and compositions have been featured by the bands of Roy Hargrove, Josh Evans, George Gee, Danny Aiello, John Dokes, and others.
His work as a composer/arranger can also be heard on several recordings of Orrin Evans’ GRAMMY-nominated Captain Black Big Band, of which he’s a member. The renowned group’s 2020 release, The Intangible Between, on SMOKE Sessions marks their second GRAMMY nomination in the Large Jazz Ensemble category.
In addition to his composing/performing duties, David continues to enjoy his role as a mentor/educator for the many passionate students he encounters through his teaching at Columbia University, New School University, and Jazz House Kids. He believes strongly that music is a powerful method of communication that can provide vital nourishment for everyone.
You can SEE Brian Delp's entire conversation with David Gibson here.
Dizzy's Club performance lineup on November 21:
David Gibson, trombone/compositions
Freddie Hendrix, trumpet
Andy Gravish, trumpet
Anthony Nelson, alto saxophone
Troy Roberts, tenor saxophone
Lauren Sevian, baritone saxophone
Jared Gold, Hammond organ
Gilad Hekselman, guitar
Jay Sawyer, drums
