Tobias Gebb: How Deep Is The Ocean?

Judging by the name Trio West, you would think that Gebb's band had honed its craft in Hollywood and near various L.A. beach haunts. Not so fast . . . this group got its name from the Upper West Side, and made the CD in Brooklyn. But a cool jazz ambiance permeates the tracks on An Upper West Side Story, helped along by the leader's exceptional drum work. Gebb reminds me of Vernell Fournier and Chico Hamilton in his ability to swing hot with a light touch. This version of the Irving Berlin standard is a gem, with the band alternating between 5/4 for the first half of each chorus, and 4/4 for the last half. But this odd meter doesn't sound odd, just fresh and spicy with plenty of momentum. Won't somebody give these guys a ticket to a Hollywood?