Doc Gibbs

Doc Gibbs

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.Â

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!Â

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