Gerry Mulligan Albums (57)
What The Critics Say
Gerry Mulligan and his critically acclaimed Concert Jazz Band are heard in their early days in this 1960 Paris concert, originally broadcast in France. Mulligan and valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer especially shine in the solo spotlight, though strong performances by tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims, alto saxophonist Gene Quill, and drummer Mel Lewis also add to this concert's value. The program on this two-CD set includes a mix of standards, time-tested jazz compositions, and newer works, all heard in swinging charts by either Brookmeyer or the leader. One oddity is the rather extended workout of Mulligan's lively "Spring Is Sprung," which stretches over 20 minutes and gives him an opportunity to play piano at some length. The original RTE edition of this valuable set has been out of print since a few years after its 1993 release, though it has reappeared on a Japanese label. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Midas Touch: Live in Berlin'
Release Date 2/11/2003
Tracks 9
Label Concord Jazz
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What The Critics Say
A little less than eight years after it occurred, Concord Records issued this concert, originally broadcast on German radio, from Gerry Mulligan's last European tour, performed less than a year before his death. Mulligan appears with his regular band of the time -- pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Dean Johnson, and drummer Ron Vincent -- playing a group of originals that serve as springboards for his lyrical style of baritone saxophone playing. The group, which had been together for several years at this point, plays smoothly, offering excellent support to the leader. A special treat is the final track, a version of "These Foolish Things" on which Mulligan duets with guest star Dave Brubeck. The album demonstrates that, in his maturity, Mulligan continued to live up to the standards he had set for himself across a career stretching back 45 years. There are no real revelations this late in the game, but Mulligan and the band play with the assurance of veterans. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
'Gerry Mulligan Quartet, Vol. 2'
Release Date 1/8/2002
Tracks 20
Label Pacific Jazz
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What The Critics Say
The second volume featuring early-'50s sessions by the Gerry Mulligan Quartet continues where the first left off, though including a number of alternate takes. By this time, the personnel had steadied with Mulligan and Chet Baker accompanied throughout their remaining sessions together by bassist Carson Smith and drummer Larry Bunker. The standout tracks include a remake of the baritone saxophonist's "Jeru" (recorded previously during the nonet sessions which were eventually gathered for Miles Davis' Birth of the Cool album) and the landmark treatment of "My Funny Valentine," a standard that would remain a key part of Baker's repertoire for the remainder of his life. Although this music was reissued several times, including in an extensive boxed set by Mosaic and the later The Complete Pacific Jazz Recordings of the Gerry Mulligan Quartet with Chet Baker, this edition, like the earlier bigger collections, is already an out of print collectible fetching a premium price. This important release should be considered essential for anyone interested in West Coast jazz. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Gerry Mulligan Quartet, Vol. 1'
Release Date 1/8/2002
Tracks 19
Label Pacific Jazz
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What The Critics Say
The Gerry Mulligan Quartet was not only a groundbreaking pianoless group, featuring baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and trumpeter Chet Baker with a bassist and drummer, but the band also helped to launch Dick Bock's Pacific Jazz label. The 19 tracks on this reissue collect the first five studio sessions of the group for the label plus four live tracks recorded at the Haig, a tiny West Coast nightclub where they catapulted to fame. Their unique approach to music came to be labeled as "cool" or West Coast jazz, relying on intricate improvisations, with Mulligan's inventive, lyrical baritone being well complemented by Baker, an unschooled player who possessed a gift for playing by ear. Bassists Bobby Whitlock and Carson Smith, along with drummers Chico Hamilton or Larry Bunker, round out the group. There are numerous highlights within this volume, though Mulligan's loping "Walking Shoes" (which he returned to throughout the remaining four-plus decades of his career), along with the group's peppy rendition of "Bernie's Tune," are particularly noteworthy. Like earlier editions of these sessions, this 2002 CD reissue did not remain in print very long and has already turned into a high-priced collectible. No matter which edition of this music is sought, it is well worth acquiring. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'The Gerry Mulligan Quartets in Concert'
Release Date 2/20/2001
Tracks 11
Label Pablo
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What The Critics Say
A number of posthumous CDs have appeared following Gerry Mulligan's death in 1996. This one combines two previously unreleased quartet concerts, both featuring Bob Brookmeyer, an equally talented composer and arranger and outstanding valve trombonist. The songs are all familiar to Mulligan fans, including the swinging arrangements of "Laura" and great tunes like "Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are" and "Baubles, Bangles and Beads," which few other jazz groups seem to play. Mulligan's very cool but awkwardly titled "Bweebida Bobbida" and "Utter Chaos," his favorite theme song, round out the material from the 1957 Hollywood Bowl concert. Bassist Joe Benjamin and drummer Dave Bailey (inexplicably listed as "Donald Bailey" on the CD's back cover) make up the capable rhythm section. Brookmeyer's catchy "Open Country," which appears on several other live CDs by Mulligan, is the highlight of this release because of its wonderful interplay and strong solos. Mulligan's lovely "Love in New Orleans" almost seems like a briskly waltzing lullaby, while his challenging "Four for Three" poses no problems for his first-rate quartet. Brookmeyer switches to piano for an extended performance of Mulligan's "Subterranean Blues," which wraps the CD. Bill Crow plays bass and Gus Johnson is the drummer on this 1962 Paris concert. This well-recorded pair of concerts should be an essential acquisition for fans of Gerry Mulligan and Bob Brookmeyer. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Pleyel Jazz Concert, Vol. 2'
Release Date 6/6/2000
Tracks 14
Label Vogue
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What The Critics Say
Gerry Mulligan played several concerts at the Salle Pleyel during a 1954 visit to Paris, excerpts from which are heard on this CD and a first volume, issued separately. One of many groups the baritone saxophonist led with valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, the quartet is rounded out by bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Frank Isola (who sticks to brushes). 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 audience enthusiastically responds to the mix of standards and Mulligan's originals. Among the many highlights are the lush "The Nearness of You," the playful "Makin' Whoopee," both takes of "Laura" and the baritone saxophonist's intricate tribute to disc jockey Jimmy Lyons, "Line for Lyons." This CD and its companion volume should be considered among Gerry Mulligan's most essential recordings. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Lionel Hampton Presents Mulligan'
Release Date 4/4/2000
Tracks 8
Label Who's Who in Jazz
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What The Critics Say
This 1977 session, which combines Lionel Hampton and Gerry Mulligan with a strong rhythm section (Hank Jones, Bucky Pizzarelli, George Duvivier, Grady Tate and Candido Camero) seems to be Mulligan's date. But Hampton ends up the de facto leader, due to the heavy rhythmic (as opposed to melodic) emphasis of the arrangements, even though six of the nine songs recorded at the session were composed by the baritone saxophonist. Mulligan's solos are still the centerpiece of each track, even with the formidable presence of Hampton's swinging vibes. It is also a valuable recording since it is an opportunity to hear older Mulligan compositions, such as "Blight of the Fumble Bee,"" "Line for Lyons" and "Walking Shoes" in different settings. Also notable is the debut of a new piece by Mulligan, "Song for Johnny Hodges." Initially released by Who's Who in Jazz, it has reappeared under a number of different titles on labels such as Cleo, Kingdom Gate, Toledo, Baystate, and Jazz Hour, to name just a few. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A number of bootleg recordings exist of various groups led by Gerry Mulligan during the 1950s and 1960s, but this intimately recorded 1957 Stockholm concert (taped for broadcast by Radio Sweden) is one of the better albums available. The interplay between Mulligan's matchless baritone sax and Bob Brookmeyer's fluid valve trombone is superb throughout each track, and their familiarity with the material (most of which had been in the group's book for a period of time, including five tracks recorded six months earlier for Pacific Jazz) is readily apparent, as the band relies primarily on head arrangements; the excellent rhythm section includes bassist Joe Benjamin and drummer Dave Bailey. In addition to playing the already obligatory hits ("Bernie's Tune," "My Funny Valentine," "Walkin' Shoes") from Mulligan's early days leading the quartet with Chet Baker, the quartet explores Brookmeyer's still fresh "Open Country," and Mulligan's piano playing sounds a bit like Dave Brubeck on his "Blue at the Roots." The radio interview by Olle Helander is rather brief and perfunctory; the packaging to this two-record set is rather sloppy, with several unaccredited and/or incompletely titled compositions. Although Mulligan strongly objected to bootlegs, this out of print Swedish album is worth tracking down. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Olympia, 6 Octobre, 1962'
Release Date 1/1/1999
Tracks 6
Label Trema
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'Concert in the Rain'
Release Date 4/15/1997
Tracks 12
Label Jazz Band
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What The Critics Say
Although Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band made a flurry of recordings in their brief period of existence, few of them have been reissued on CD. This live date, recorded for broadcast during a rainy afternoon at the Newport Jazz Festival, showcases the fresh arrangements of Mulligan or valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer. Mulligan's swinging "Broadway," the moody theme from the movie "I Want To Live, " the perky "Eighteen Carrots (For Rabbit)"-recorded later that month with Johnny Hodges (to whom it was dedicated) are among the many highlights. Added as a postscript is a 1963 Newport sextet performance of "The Anthill," also from a broadcast tape. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
