Scott Gibson

Make Ready

Brazos River Records BRR 11171

 

In the spring of 2001 Scott Gibson’s mini-album Live Sessions, 17th July 2000, containing 8 slow songs was warmly welcomed. Expectations were high regarding the first fully-fledged album by this young Texan, who decided in favour of his own career as a singer-songwriter on the verge of the 21st century. Playing bass with giants like Michael Fracasso and James McMurtry had paid the rent for nearly a decade then. It has taken two years for him to release Make Ready, but, admittedly, it has certainly been worth the wait. Even more than that, having managed to surpass even my highest expectations. He is again accompanied by Rob Gjersoe (Flatlanders, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Robbie Fulks) and Chris Cage (Flatlanders and JD Gilmore as well), and with producer Mac McNabb (Trish Murphy, Michael Fracasso) at the helm, Scott recorded 10 excellent, self-penned songs, which not only display an amazing diversity, but fully reveal his abilities as a songsmith at the same time. In that respect Scott Gibson has known quite a development.
As soon as the uplifting opening track I Believe leaves the speakers the ear is caught immediately. And being distracted is out of the question with captivating and instrumentally tasteful songs like Make Ready, Hand It Over and Kripula. For aficionados of songs with a country edge there is Sunday Social, whose catchy melody could well earn Scott quite a bit of radio play on less alternative radio stations, which in turn could be his big break towards a large audience. The young Texan, also blessed with the looks of a movie star, does deserve this. We do hope, however, that in case of a breakthrough Scott does not lose his sharp observant eye on the world around him. For tracks like Ballad Of The Balladeer, about a musician’s life in Texas,  – though not exactly commercially interesting– are invaluable to me. Should this e-zine ever take up awarding albums worthy of cherishing with certificates of quality, then Scott Gibson’s Make Ready is my personal favourite for such a certificate.

Jos van den Boom

Please visit Scott's Website