A longtime vet of the music scene, Malkum does an excellent job on harp and accordion,
and his vocals are both playful and soulful.
Gibson's harmonica playing has been reviewed as good harp tone by Bruce Iglauer
at Alligator Records and passionate harmonica by Bill Kisliuk, Blues Access magazine.
From A. Grigg, Blues Bytes - Graham Clarke, June, 20 2007:
Malkum Gibson started his musical journey by impressing Mr. B. B. King enough that
he produced and published his early recording. Touring became a way of life playing
and performing with the best bluesmen from opening up for the Allman Brothers first
tour at Cincinnati’s Ohio’s Ludlow Garage and Taj Mahal’s first tour at Kelly Hall
in Yellow Springs Ohio to performing with Guy Davis on tour in Ireland. From coast
to coast, north to south and several tours overseas; one thing rings clear, “music
inspired by tradition” and the tradition is BLUES!
Malkum Gibson has had a very interesting life, to say the least. He started playing
Blues Harmonica over 40 years ago, so he is truly one of the White Blues Pioneers
in the U.S.A. But, besides his pioneering, Malkum is probably the only Bluesman
in the World who had his debut recording produced by B.B. King! Yes, that's right:
B.B. just happened to hear Malkum and Chris (Kleeman) right at the time Bob Thiele's
Blues Time Records was getting underway and the resulting album for Blues Time:
"Malkum & Chris: Just The Blues" remains a collectors' classic. Malkum & Chris were
together for nearly 30 years as a duo, releasing some fine, mainly acoustic blues
albums on their own labels.
Many fans and critics referred to Malkum & Chris as "…the White Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee" and it was totally complimentary as both had become masters of their respective instruments. Malkum may be Hohner's longest-standing endorsee for Blues Harmonica. Now that they've gone their separate ways after many years based in Vermont, Malkum has decided to go all-out. Moving to Ohio, a State with a long Blues History and a rabid Blues audience,
Malkum's harp sound is unique; he sounds like a cross between Junior Wells (1950s),
James Cotton and Snooky Pryor with those high clear notes. His many years as an
acoustic harp man show through with the occasional Sonny Terry-like melodic passages.
He's got more stuff in his bag-of-tricks/styles than just about anyone else on today's
scene. Malkum's harmonica work is enough to prove he's one of North American's Top
Ten.
Malkum is one of the better vocalists out there too, so the main Achilles heel'
for White bands is not an issue at all.
““America’s finest bluesman.””
LMB Entertainment - LMB Entertainment Clones, Ireland
““…like a semi parting the water on a city street. You can’t stop it. You just stand
there and listen to this powerhouse on wheels.””
Ben Onmart - Ben Onmart
“Malkum's beautiful voice and his tasteful harp playing, give out a magical combination
of music that comes out from the heart” ”
Vicente P. Zumel - La Hora Del Blues 96.6 FM BARCELONA (SPAIN).
““….energy-packed performance….will move and excite you like no other, electrifying
performer.” ”
Guinness Castlebar Blues Festival - Guinness Castlebar Blues Festival, Castlebar,
Ireland
““solid blues.. good shuffles.. good harp tone.. vocals have a lot of personality…the
whole band plays with a lot of verve and good energy..” ”
Bruce Iglauer Alligator Records and Artist Management - Alligator Records and Artist
Management
Rated ****
“…..solid, technically proficient and musically adept presence
……passionate harmonica….that would give Sonny Terry a run for his money”
Bill Kisliuk
Having fun with the crowds!
Meeting and working with B.B. King!
The accordion too!
