'Off-beat' Bob Gibson Sings at Hancock Hall

The first in a series of three Summer Folk Festival concerts was well received by a small but enthusiastic crowd at John Hancock Hall last Friday night. Bob Gibson, accompanying himself on a five-string banjo and a twelve-string guitar, presented a program of "off-beat" folksongs and "old favorites."

Mr. Gibson's quiet humor and relaxed manner was enjoyable, but I felt that this young folksinger would be more effective in a night club than on the concert stage. The humorous, catchy folksong is Mr. Gibson's forte; he delighted his audience with "The Horse Named Bill," a nonsensical little number that has been a favorite on college campuses for generations. His recollections of Aspen and his own song "Super-skier" were delightful.

On the serious side, Gibson's version of "Wayfaring Stranger" stood out. His general treatment of songs meant to convey bitterness, hardship, or sorrow, however, seemed to lack personal feeling and sensitivity, and he would do well to leave them to a master like Josh White.

The most "off-beat" number of the evening was a flamenco instrumental on the banjo. Gibson took a familiar Andalusian melody and arranged it for five-string banjo, with striking results.

Late in the program, Gibson set aside the banjo for the twelve-string guitar. This was unfortunate, as he has little of the technique required for playing this difficult instrument. But his smooth and extremely appealing voice carried the audience through the last few songs.

The concert was light and enjoyable, but lacked some of the artistic polish that we shall expect from Martha Schlamme and Josh White, who will continue the Summer Folk Festival.