By the late 1950s and early '60s,
Bob Gibson (banjo/acoustic 12-string guitar/vocals) had become a mainstay and favorite on the emerging folkie singer/songwriter scene. After a few generally well-received platters for Riverside, his debut release on Elektra was somewhat of a departure -- especially regarding the subject matter. While his new label had already issued a number of "theme" or concept albums,
Gibson undoubtedly presented them with a first. His appropriately titled
Ski Songs (1959) was an entire project of originals dedicated to the sport of snow skiing. Supported by notable session musicians
Joe Puma (electric guitar), Russell Savkas (bass), and the multi-talented
Eric Weissberg (banjo/bass/guitar),
Gibson demonstrates his uncanny ability to weave clever narratives. His trademark smart and upon occasion silly verses surface immediately in the long-player's opening tale of barroom-influenced braggadocio titled "Celebrated Skier." A considerably more introspective side of the artist can be heard within the simple and lovely images that adorn the ballad "In This White World." Melodically, the upbeat musical saga of "Super Skier" recalls the
Kingston Trio's classic protest "M.T.A." Lyrically, the verses spin a yarn of a crazed slope enthusiast whose ego gets the better of him before his fatal spill in which "...they had to use three toboggans to carry all the pieces down the hill." Remaining true to the folk tradition, there is a distinct taste of the high and lonesome Appalachian folk in the endearing, although never maudlin, love song "Highlands Lassie." The catchy "Bend in His Knees" joins "What'll We Do" in capturing the youthful exuberance and perspective of not only the ups and downs of the sport itself, but in the case of the latter, the practically child-like anticipation of the ski season and the attempts to make it last year-round. Other nods to the genre are "Talking Skier" -- which is
Gibson's take-off/put-on of the so-called talkin' blues style that had the performer unraveling his message in a spoken, rambling delivery -- and the concluding "Skol to the Skier," which wraps up the effort on a positive note as
Gibson sends a final salute to those brave and truly fearless souls who are active participants in the sport.
Ski Songs would garner a special place in the hearts, minds, and ears of the artist's fan base, it remained out of print for several decades until the 2008 CD reissue by Collectors' Choice Music. ~ Lindsay Planer