Words are not needed for multi-instrumentalist Gary Gibson (http://www.twotreesmusic.com) to express his love for music - and life itself - on "Yahboy!" The title alone speaks of giddiness. Sure enough, once the CD begins spinning we are transported to an island paradise as the playful "Pearls of Wisdom" tickles us with engaging keyboards and cocktail jazz flavors.
While I don't have that much background in jazz, I certainly receive my share of unsolicited CDs from the genre. Most of them are slow and slightly downbeat, made for winter nights. Gibson's album sticks out from the pile because this is not film noir-ish soundtrack material. For the most part the moods here are upbeat with an emphasis on tropical delights.
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Gibson is from Seattle so you have to wonder how this music fares in that often chilly region. "A Friday in Tunapuna" brightens the day with its Caribbean rhythms; the percussion, as in the next track "Uncommon Denominator," is vibrant and energetic.
When Gibson chills out on "Who's Askin?", there's no lessening in appeal. The whole album is a delight to listen to from beginning to end.
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