2018.12.10 Melvin Gibbs on the Art Ensemble of Chicago 2 of 3

Melvin Gibbs is hearing things that I am not hearing yet. I know this from the choices he makes as a bassist, his work as a composer and especially what he does leading bands like Harriet Tubman, his collaboration with Brandon Ross and JT Lewis. So what is he hearing in the music of one of my favorite bands, the Art Ensemble of Chicago? Is it the knowing improvisation? the distinctive sonorities of the compositions? maybe the theatricality? the posts, slants and buttonhooks of their fast and far-ranging live shows? I can’t wait to find out!