To Be Or Not To B-3

Gerard William Gibbs, born November 16, 1967, has been a lover of jazz ever since his father introduced him at the tender age of three to the music of the late jazz organist, Richard "Groove" Holmes. At age of seven, when he later had the opportunity to meet Holmes, Gerard grew to idolize Holmes. He knew then that one day, he would play jazz just like his idol. Gerard Gibbs, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, is a product of the Detroit Public Schools. He began his musical training in classical piano at the age of nine. Although he took to this musical style fairly quickly, his interest in performing jazz never waned. In the summer of 1981, while recovering at home from corrective leg surgery, Gerard received a surprise visit from "Groove" Holmes. Holmes took an immediate interest in Gerard and began to show him all the "tricks of the trade." Until Holmes' death in 1991, Gerard had the kind of friendship and mentoring relationship with this international jazz organist that only others can dream about. In 1996, Gerard was again fortunate. He met another master jazz organist, Jimmy Smith. He was introduced to Smith while attending his concert at the Bluebird Inn in Detroit. Smith took a liking to Gerard as well, and began to show him some of his techniques. Since that time, Gerard's friendship with Jimmy Smith up until his death in 2005 will be another mentorship that will forever be treasured. Gerard also has had opportunities to rub shoulders with jazz organists Joey DeFrancesco, Jimmy McGriff, and the late Jack McDuff. In September of 1999, Gerard had the opportunity to jam with the "Mighty Burner", the late Charles Earland. Later in September of 2000, Gerard cultivated another organ alliance and mentoring relationship with the great Dr. Lonnie Smith. All of these encounters have contributed to Gerard's development as a versatile musical artist skilled beyond his years. Currently, Gerard performs nationally and internationally on the concert circuit with saxophonist James Carter. He also regularly lends his talents to the hot contemporary jazz group: Pieces Of A Dream. While at home in Detroit, Gibbs remains busy as he raises his young son, Tyler Landon Gibbs and leads his newly- renamed jazz group: Gerard Gibbs & REORGAN’YZ. In August of 2001, Gerard released his debut CD entitled, “To Be Or Not To B-3” with his organ trio in commemoration to his first mentor, the late Richard "Groove" Holmes. It was released under the auspice of the previous name: Gerard Gibbs & ORGANized Crime. In December of 2003, Gerard answered his calling to musicianship by retiring from the City of Detroit as a Senior Assistant Architectural Engineer after 12 years of dedicated service. In late August of 2004, Gerard released his sophomore recording with Gerard Gibbs & REORGAN’YZ entitled, “Livin’ & Learnin’”. Finally, Gerard anticipates the Summer 2007 release of his third project dedicated to his son entitled, “Blues For Tyler”.