Doc Gibbs is one of the
most sought after percussionists in the music industry today. Whether
he's recording, touring or kickin' it up a notch with Emeril Lagasse.
Doc musically operates on an audience with funky rhythms and with his
vast assortment of traditional and unusual percussion instruments.
Doc received his so-called "Doc"-torate from the late,
legendary jazz saxophonist, Grover Washington, Jr. While recording
Grover's Live at the Bijou album in 1976, Grover acknowledged Doc for
prescribing an herbal remedy for a nasty cold that Grover was suffering
from the night before taping. Over night, Leonard Gibbs became Doc when
Grover announced to his audience, "...There are two doctors in
Philly...Dr.J (of the 76ers) and Doctor Gibbs." A nickname that
appropriately describes a musician who truly performs with the precision
of a surgeon.
Doc's love of hand drums and percussion instruments began in the early
seventies, when he left the Pennsylvania Academy of Fines Art to pursue
his real dream - a career as a master percussionist. Early in his career,
Doc immediately caught the attention of the music industry's top artists,
to include George Benson, Nancy Wilson, Bob James, Al Jarreau send Anita
Baker, to name a few. Most recently, Doc's percussive reputation has
placed him in the studio with Wyclef Jean, Erykah Badu, Eric Benet and
hot r&b producer, James Poyser, among others.
BAM!!! The icing on the cake for Doc came in 1997, when he became the
musical director for Emeril Live! -- The hottest cooking show on the
cable Food Network (TVFN). Doc has been beating it up to a Manhattan
television studio to add his funky flavors of hand drums and signature
percussion instruments for a little extra spice into the pots of cooking
guru, Emeril Lagasse.
" Doc has brought a new dimension to solidifying an element to the
show...a relationship, a sound, a movement."
-Emeril Lagasse, "The Making of Emeril" TV Special (TVFN)
Doc is also an elected member of the Board of Governors of N.A.R.A.S.
(National Association of Recording Artists and Sciences), Philadelphia
chapter.
He performs drum workshops for children with Young Audiences of Eastern
Pennsylvania and the Strings for Schools Organizations.
His new album, "Servin' It Up! Hot!" , has been nationally
released in June 2002.
On Doc’s debut album,
Doc Gibbs & Picante - Servin’ It Up! Hot! he has invited more of
his friends to join him. Servin’ It Up is boasting the artistry
of contemporary jazz recording artist, Gerald Abright on saxophone,
guitarist, Felicia Collins of The David Letterman Late Night Band, jazz
violinist, John Blake (Locksmith) bassist, Gerald Veasley (Heads up
Records), and the incomparable jazz vocalist, Jon Lucien.
Servin’ It Up is a
magical journey of live musicians that is sure to satisfy the appetite
of an audience which has been waiting for this highly anticipated
musical project. The album was produced by Doc Gibbs, and
co-writing all of the songs on the cd, is Cliff Starkey, his
musical partner on the Emeril Live Show. The lush song, Salvador
Bahia, was written by producer/drummer, Ted Thomas Jr. And
Jon Lucien performs his soulful brand of vocal styling on this beautiful
ballad that will bathe you in the tropical rhythms of Brazil.
Gerald Albright’s funky style of play is cool and captivating on the.
tune, Seven Up, Six Down. Felicia Collins rocks her guitar on the hard
driving groovilicious tune, Starline and with his keyboards,
Cliff Starkey tells a pretty story on the composition, Hilda’s
Lullaby.
Doc Gibbs’ solo
debut, Servin’ It Up, is a plate full of live funky rhythms that will
take you on delicious musical journey that will certainly leave you
asking for seconds!
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