This is one of the many recordings the Gibbs band made during the late 50' and early 60's. Most of the songs are the arrangements of Bill Holman. Most of these recordings were live recordings. this album is a studio date and has a peculiar yet successful stereo balance. From an arrangers view it is easy to hear all the sections interact. But the main reason for this recordings sucess is the playing of the musicians. Everyone contributes. With Mel Lewis, on drums to Joe Maini on Alto, everyone SWINGS!
TIMELESS BIG BAND EXCITEMENT!:
Not much to add to the first reviewer's excellent write-up. Everything Terry ever recorded with his big band rates 5 stars in my book and "Swing Is Here" is no exception. The band was comprised of the cream of the L.A. jazz musicians from the late 1950s when this recording was made. The ensemble is tight, the charts swing like crazy, and the soloists are some of the all-time greats: Terry (of course), Conte Candoli, Lou Levy, Bill Perkins, Frank Rosolino etc., and the great Mel Lewis is on drums. I would... more info
The Best of the Big Band Era's 2nd Wind:
For swing, drive, harmonic deftness, precision of execution and sheer power of sound, I have always suspected that the greatest Big Bands were those of the late 50s-early 60s : the Basie "Atomic" band (which you can hear in the soundtracks of at least two Jerry Lewis flix); the Harry James band of c. 1957-61; the Woody Herman Herd of 1962-63 (i.e., the "Good Earth" band); and the Terry Gibbs "Dream Band" of 1959-61. In addition to this 1960 studio date, six live volumes' worth of the Dream Band have been... more info
Tracks:
Song Is You
It Might as Well Be Swing
Dancing in the Dark
Moonglow
Bright Eyes
Fat Man
My Reverie - Terry Gibbs, Terry Gibbs
Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise - Terry Gibbs, Terry Gibbs
