David F. Gibson, a dynamic drummer whose rhythmic drive powered iconic big bands, passed away on July 30th, he was 72. Born in Philadelphia, he earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Temple University, building a local reputation in the city’s vibrant jazz scene. In the 1980s, he contributed to Odean Pope’s Saxophone Choir, anchoring their acclaimed debut album The Saxophone Shop (1985)”
Gibson’s defining tenure came in the 1990s with the Count Basie Orchestra under Frank Foster, where his fiery swing propelled albums like Live at El Morocco (1992). He also drove legacy editions of the Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway orchestras, and performed with the Illinois Jacquet and Lionel Hampton big bands, and the Woody Herman Orchestra. He also appeared with small groups, backing vocalists Joe Williams and Diane Schuur, and playing in Joey Cavaseno’s quartet at Smalls Jazz Club. He appeared on Harry “Sweets” Edison’s Live at the Iridium (1997).
Gibson remained active at jazz festivals, including Berks Jazz Fest, and collaborated with the Radam Schwartz Organ Big Band, co-producing their 2020 album. A dedicated educator, he founded Collective Arts Services Inc. to support music programs.
Joe Bebco is the Associate Editor of The Syncopated Times and Webmaster of SyncopatedTimes.com
