Having studied at Boston’s Berklee College of Music and Lenox School Of Jazz in the late-1950s and early-60s, under the tutelage of luminaries such as Gunther Schuller and George Russell, Gibbs subsequently moved to the UK in 1964 and collaborated with the key Brit-Jazz figures including Graham Collier, Mike Westbrook, Kenny Wheeler and John Dankworth; while his commercial work at the time included writing the theme to The Goodies TV show, for which he was musical director. Gibbs has since composed extensively for films, television, theatre and symphony orchestras while recent projects have included work with Bill Frisell, Gary Burton and the NDR Big Band and orchestra, and various sessions with the likes of Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, John Scofield, Michael Mantler, Mike Stern and Joni Mitchell. For these birthday concerts Gibbs explores unusual combinations of instruments and a wide range of contemporary soundscapes and dynamics.

The 12-piece band is comprised of a strong cast of London-based players such as flautist Finn Peters, multi-reedist Julian Siegel, drummer Jeff Williams, trumpeters Percy Pursglove and Robbie Robson, and bassist Michael Janisch whose Whirlwind Recordings label will release a live album of these concerts in 2013.

For more info go to www.vortexjazz.co.uk

 – Mike Flynn