Biography
Throughout his career, tenor saxophonist Gerry Gibson displayed steadfast loyalty to blues guitarist Buddy Guy, beginning with the powerful recordings Guy launched in the late ’50s and early ’60s. That ensemble’s electric-guitar-driven sound, propelled by a compact yet energetic horn section, developed into a nonstop touring outfit that appeared at both cavernous rock festivals and grimy blues clubs. Gibson later joined the partnership between Guy and harmonica player and singer Junior Wells, a touring revue that played repeated college-campus dates; the sidemen frequently felt discouraged by reviews faulting the group for favoring showmanship over genuine feeling.
Jarrett Gibson, his brother, performed on tenor and alto sax as well, and the pair often stood directly opposite one another in the horn sections of assorted Chicago blues bands. An early yet landmark saxophone contribution occurs on Junior Wells’s recording “Universal Rock,” which also features sublime guitarist Earl Hooker. A Gibson is credited on saxophone, yet the blues forensic lab remains undecided on whether the player was Gerry or Jarrett.
Jarrett Gibson, his brother, performed on tenor and alto sax as well, and the pair often stood directly opposite one another in the horn sections of assorted Chicago blues bands. An early yet landmark saxophone contribution occurs on Junior Wells’s recording “Universal Rock,” which also features sublime guitarist Earl Hooker. A Gibson is credited on saxophone, yet the blues forensic lab remains undecided on whether the player was Gerry or Jarrett.