He has performed and/or recorded with Tommy Dorsey, Chubby Jackson, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Louie Bellson, Charlie Shavers, Mel Torme, Buddy DeFranco and others. Gibbs also worked in the film and TV studios in Los Angeles. He, as an instrumentalist, and his big band, The Dream Band, have won prestigious polls, such as those of downbeat and Metronome. With 65 albums to his credit, winner of 3 major jazz polls and creator of 300+ compositions (recorded by Gibbs, Nat King Cole, Les Brown, Cannonball Adderly, Count Basie, George Shearing, etc.), Gibbs has left an indelible mark in the world of vibes.
The lyrics to Terry Gibbs's song "Salt Peanuts" are simple and repetitive, but they convey a sense of excitement and enthusiasm that is indicative of the bebop genre. The opening lines, "Salt peanuts, salt peanuts," repeated several times, are a nod to the African-American tradition of street vendors selling peanuts, often salted, to passersby. The phrase is also a reference to the fast-paced, improvisational style of bebop music, which relied on complex chord progressions and intricate musical lines.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more abstract, with lines like "Get 'em from the peanut man" and "Roll 'em in your mouth" suggesting a hedonistic celebration of music and life. The use of repetition and non-linear phrases mirrors the free-wheeling, improvisational spirit of bebop, which often eschewed traditional song structures in favor of more spontaneous musical exploration.
Overall, the lyrics to "Salt Peanuts" capture the energy and excitement of bebop, showcasing the genre's emphasis on innovation and virtuosity. The use of peanuts as a metaphor for bebop music is particularly clever, drawing parallels between the improvisational quality of jazz and the unpredictable nature of snacking on roasted peanuts.
Line by Line Meaning
Salt peanuts, salt peanuts
Let us sing about the salty peanuts
Salt peanuts, salt peanuts
The taste of these salty peanuts is worth singing about
Salt peanuts, salt peanuts
Let us appreciate the flavor of these salty peanuts
Salt peanuts, salt peanuts
We cannot resist the allure of these salty peanuts
Salt peanuts, salt peanuts
Our taste buds are excited by the saltiness of these peanuts
Salt peanuts, salt peanuts
The seasoning on these peanuts elevates their taste
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN GILLESPIE, KENNY CLARKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind