Gary Gibson

Gary Gibson is a steel pannist (steel drums), vibraphonist, and composer living in the Seattle, Washington area. His latest project band is called "Yahboy!" His compositions often feature the steel pans, though not always in the style or instrumental combination that one might expect. He is a winner of Trinidad's national steelband championship (with the Exodus Steel Orchestra in 2004), and in 2009 won first prize in two out of three categories of the "Symphony & Steel" composition contest (for steelband and symphony orchestra). His background is primarily in jazz, although his music degrees and much of his experience are in the classical realm. He has worked steadily in music prep (and occasionally as orchestrator) in the film music industry.

Gibson has released four recordings to date. He has drawn the attention of steelpan aficionados as well as the jazz community for his unique approach of applying sophisticated jazz harmony to the infectious traditional forms and rhythms of the Caribbean.

Steelpan legend Andy Narell calls Gary Gibson "one of the few people writing progressive music for the pan and sounding original."

Steelpan virtuoso Liam Teague says: "When I first heard Gary Gibson's music and playing, I was absolutely blown away! His compositions are highly creative, challenging, and by no means are they predictable. The steelpan world is blessed to have an ambassador like Mr. Gibson who, obviously, is doing his utmost to promote the Steelpan in a progressive direction."

And pan arranger/player/producer Tom Miller says: "I have been a big fan of Gary's music from the first note. His ability to weave very hip improvised lines through his equally hip compositions, all the while maintaining a beautiful tone and even touch on the pan, is truly remarkable. Gary has a unique and fresh voice for today's pan scene and his music will be revered for years to come."

Percussive Notes reviewer Terry O'Mahoney writes " Gibson's soloing is melodic and self-assured, and his compositions are sophisticated and totally enjoyable..."

Gary Gibson's debut CD, "My Two Cents," marked a turning point in the budding genre of progressive steelpan jazz. Speaking a language of harmonic depth not previously explored within the steelpan community in recorded music, he gained international attention as a new creative force in the jazz steelpan genre:

"There is just something immensely likable about 'My Two Cents'. It has a certain flair that sets it apart from other CDs of this type, and the blending of contemporary jazz approaches is most appealing...fresh, innovative sounds and excellent performances. Gary Gibson is a master of the steel drums & vibraphone and puts them to excellent use..." (Lee Prosser, Jazzreview.com)

Gibson's second recording project, "CounterMelodies," was released in December, 2002:

"...Gibson expands on the strengths of the first album, while at the same time breaking new ground. As a composer he is able to take on the traditions of Caribbean music and inject a sense of harmony that makes it all his own. There are plenty of memorable melodies and infectious rhythms to appeal to a broad range of listeners. Easy on the ears, while at the same time filled with challenge, CounterMelodies is a fine effort from an artist who deserves a broader audience." (Dave Binder, ejazznews.com)

Gibson's most recent recording, "Yahboy!", released in 2005, has raised eyebrows worldwide:

"Bless Gary Gibson...for taking a spirited, colorful approach to the jazz genre in "Yahboy!" Having been to the Caribbean numerous times, I am familiar with the indigenous sounds that Gibson has absorbed. His utilization of steel pans gives him his own individual take on it. You can feel the enthusiasm blowing from the speakers..." -Elizabeth Jacobsen, entertainment.inuk.com

"In all of my years as a music critic, I don't think I ever heard a jazz album that I could actually dance to. This is a seriously melodic record... The songs on this album are so catchy..." - Kyrby Raine, ink19.com

"...a most welcome addition to the pan CD family. The CD is a blast! It knocks your socks off. The engineering, pan playing, and musicianship are delightful. I like the chemistry of the musicians, they all seem to be enjoying each others' company. There's never a dull moment. If it isn't Gary blowing you away with his dexterity and blending of notes, there's Richard Warner on flute, or Steve Rice on keyboards, or Dean Schmidt on bass, or Mark Ivester on drums, filling in the spaces..." -Mr. Muzik, Trinidad Guardian

Gibson is active as both a clinician and performer. Recent appearances include Indiana University, Arizona State University, University of Florida, University of Southern Mississippi, Brigham Young University, University of Montana, Miami University of Ohio, Wichita State University, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Jacinto College and North Harris Community College (Houston), Morehead State Universit