Raleigh pianist Elmer Gibson, a longtime catalyst for jazz in the Triangle on the bandstand and behind the scenes, offers a lovely solo recital of mostly ballads on "All the Seasons" (Kumekucha). It's the kind of playing that could easily be regarded as background music (and probably is when Gibson performs alone at restaurants and parties).
But closer listening reveals rich harmonies and an attractive rhythmic flow worthy of attention. (Gibson attributes his steady left hand bass style to pianists such as Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum and Herbie Hancock.)
After opening with the Rodgers and Hart standard, "My Romance," and establishing the melodic mood and harmonic beauty of things to come, Gibson proceeds to the title track, a minor-key original with a hint of romantic intrigue. "Ecstasy," an original that closes the album, mines this same atmosphere. In between, there are familiar standards such as "Tenderly," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "Someday My Prince Will Come." "Lucille," by the late Rocky Mount-born tenor saxophonist Harold Vick, is another fitting melody for this set.
