Mulligan Meets Webster

Performer Notes:

• Personnel: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Jimmy Rowles (piano); Leroy Vinnegar (bass); Mel Lewis (drums).
• Recorded on November 3 and December 2, 1959.
• Personnel: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Jimmy Rowles (piano); Mel Lewis (drums).
• Liner Note Authors: John S. Wilson ; Arnold Marcus.
• Recording information: Los Angeles, CA (11/03/1959/12/02/1959).
• Photographer: X .
• Make no mistake about it, the swing and bop start right here on this legendary 1959 session between baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and tenor man Ben Webster. Produced by Norman Granz as an early Verve album, this Mobile Fidelity 24-karat gold-disc reissue is sonically worth the extra bread as it feels like you're right in the control room every note of the way. The opening track, Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge" is lush and emotional and truly sets the tone for this album. With Jimmy Rowles on piano (his intro on "Sunday" sounds like a ragtimer like Willie "The Lion" Smith just pushed him off the stool before the band came in), Mel Lewis on drums, and the always superb Leroy Vinnegar on bass present and accounted for, the rhythm section is superbly swinging with just the right amount of bop lines and chords in the mix to spice things up. The ghost of Duke Ellington hovers over every note on this record (Billy Strayhorn was one of his main arrangers) and that is a very good thing, indeed. There's a beautiful, understated quality to the music on this session that makes it the perfect relaxing around the house on a rainy day disc to pop in the player. File this one under cool, very smooth, and supple. ~ Cub Koda

Professional Reviews: Down Beat (1960) - 5 Stars - Excellent - "..This is one of the great records of jazz.."

JazzTimes (2/96, p.99) - "...Few tenor saxophonists now or ever can match the sheer depth of feeling that Webster routinely summons up....[this is an] exquisite session..."

Format: CD (1 Disc)

Country: USA

Studio/Live: Studio

Guest Artist: Jimmy Rowles; Mel Lewis; Leroy Vinnegar

Release Date: 26 January, 2010

Label: Ais

Dimensions: 14.3 x 1.2 x 12.4 centimeters (0.03 kg)