Gerry MULLIGAN - The Fabulous Gerry Mulligan Quartet 1954

Gerry MULLIGAN - The Fabulous Gerry Mulligan Quartet 1954
Recorded in Paris (France), Salle Pleyel

Jazz

During a 1954 trip to Europe Gerry Mulligan played several concerts in Paris at the Salle Pleyel to enthusiastic crowds, excerpts from which are heard on this CD and a second volume, issued separately. The baritone saxophonist is joined by one of his most stimulating musical partners, valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer; the quartet's rhythm section includes bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Frank Isola (who sticks to brushes). Mulligan does his best to introduce most of the tunes in halting French to the appreciation of the audience. Mulligan and Brookmeyer work magic together as they alternate between taking the lead and providing backgrounds for one another, while also engaging in some terrific counterpoint. The set includes standards, classic jazz tunes and Mulligan's originals, all of which delight the audience. It is almost impossible to name all of the highlights within this album.
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June 1, 3, 5, 6 & 7 1954.
This is a reissue: Gerry's discography at the Library of congress quotes "THE FABULOUS GERRY MULLIGAN QUARTET - VOGUE JAZZ DOUBLE"
(Vogue 2xLP DP 07, LP VJD 504/1 and LP VJD 504/2) which might be the original issue.
LPs are numbered DP. 07 A (DP 07 A1 & DP 07 A2)
and DP. 07 B (DP 07 B1 & DP 07 B2) which might be confusing with Discog's conventions.
track B3 is likely wrongly titled "Soft Shoe" like as versions, real title is "Motel"(which was immediatly followed by "Utter Chaos" theme in the concert.
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Red Mitchell- Double Bass
Frank Isola- Drums 
Jean-Pierre Leloir- Photography 
Gerry Mulligan- Baritone Sax
Bob Brookmeyer- Trombone
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A1. I May Be Wrong 4:26 
A2. Five Brothers 4:20 
A3. Gold Rush 6:06 
A4. Lullaby Of The Leaves 3:38 

B1. Makin Whoopee 3:22 
B2. Laura 4:01 
B3. Soft Shoe 4:30 
B4. The Nearness Of You 4:30 

C1. Limelight 4:45 
C2. Come Out Wherever You Are 3:25 
C3. Love Me Or Leave Me 4:55 
C4. Bernie's Tune 4:30 

D1. Walkin' Shoes 4:40 
D2. Moonlight In Vermont 3:15 
D3. The Lady Is A Tramp 3:30 
D4. Bark For Barksdale 5:05 
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Gerry MULLIGAN & Thelonious MONK - Mulligan Meets Monk 1957

Gerry MULLIGAN & Thelonious MONK - Mulligan Meets Monk 1957

Jazz      

Mulligan and Monk: what is their common ground? Certainly not the Cool School” West Coast pianoless groups of Mulligan and Baker. Nor do you think of the Lester Young-influenced Mulligan in the same sphere (pun intended) as some of Monk´s preeminent sax players, like Johnny Griffin or John Coltrane.

Perhaps it is their mutual love for the Swing Era. Tunes on Mulligan Meets Monk like Sweet and Lovelyand Mulligan Decidedly (based on Charlie ShaversUndecided) are where they both really hook up and yet thrive in their own unique way. For instance, pianist Monk´s chordal solo on Decidedly is as stinging and modern as any taken in his own tunes, and yet it fits perfectly with baritone saxophonist Mulligan´s Lester-isms. In addition, you couldn´t find a more swinging rhythm section than Wilbur Ware and Shadow Wilson, who, after all, swung the bands of Count Basie, Benny Carter. and Ella Fitzgerald. So swing is definitely the thing.

The rendition of 'Round Midnight, which opens the CD, is as beautiful as any extant. Monk delivers the melody to the famous intro while Mulligan plays a harmony line. The baritonist´s statement of the main theme is simultaneously creative and direct: perfectly balanced. Rhythm-a-ning is Monk´s tune on rhythm changes, and this might be the only place where you would miss a firebrand like Griffin.

One of the things Mulligan became famous for was his 1952 pianoless quartet with Chet Baker, and the concept of counterpoint developed in that group is used to significant effect in these versions of I Mean You,especially on the out-heads. Supposedly the producers originally thought the record should be made with a big band, and for this session Mulligan and Monk were just supposed to get together and warm up, but the quartet felt so good (and how could it not, with Ware and Wilson!) that they cancelled the big band idea. We are lucky to have this quartet recording, and yet I can´t help feeling like I want more of this fascinating and totally absorbing 1957 meeting.
By Francis Lo Kee.
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Thelonious Monk- (Piano);
Gerry Mulligan- (Baritone Saxophone);
Wilbur Ware- (Bass);
Shadow Wilson- (Drums).
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01. 'Round Midnight 8:26
02. Rhythm-A-Ning 5:16
03. Sweet And Lovely 7:15
04. Decidedly (Take 4) 5:51
05. Decidedly (Take 5) 6:34
06. Straight, No Chaser (Take 3) 6:57
07. Straight, No Chaser (Take 1) 5:27
08. I Mean You (Take 4) 6:50
09. I Mean You (Take 2) 6:30
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Gerry MULLIGAN Quartet - Reunion With Chet Baker 1957

Gerry MULLIGAN Quartet - Reunion With Chet Baker 1957

Jazz

Gerald Joseph "Gerry" Mulligan (April 6, 1927 – January 20, 1996)

This compilation draws together the pairing of Gerry Mulligan with Chet Baker in December 1957, renewing a partnership that had taken place five years previously. This is a delightful, relaxed outpouring by two masters of their instruments, each taking turn to state the theme, then duetting in joyful harmony. Just listen to the the way they play around with Cole Porter's tune "My Heart Belongs To Daddy". Mulligan's mellow baritone is the perfect counterpoint to Baker's citric trumpet tone, and the rhythm accompaniment is felt as much as heard. Brilliant recording, perfect balance, this is one for late night listening.
By B. McCanna.
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Gerry Mulligan- Baritone Sax
Chet Baker- Trumpet
Henry Grimes- Bass
Dave Bailey- Drums
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01. Reunion (4:03)
02. When Your Lover Has Gone (5:05)
03. Stardust (4:42)
04. My Heart Belongs To Daddy (4:11)
05. Jersey Bounce (4:25)
06. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top (4:40)
07. Trav’lin’ Light (3:40)
08. Trav’lin’ Light [alternate take] (4:30)
09. Ornithology (5:11)
10. People Will Say We’re In Love (3:40)
11. The Song Is You (3:20)
12. Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You (3:30)
13. Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You [alternate take] (3:30)
14. I Got Rhythm (5:57)
15. All The Things You Are (6:43)
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