Search - Gerry Mulligan :: Gerry Mulligan Songbook

Use Your Mulligan & Give "Songbook" A Shot

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 04/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Gerry Mulligan Songbook" is a classic look at jazz's greatest baritone saxophonist, and one of the founders of both the "West Coast" and "Cool Jazz" movements. While this album was made for the Pacific label, it was recorded during two sessions on the East Coast (New York) in December 1957. The first seven tunes, all Mulligan originals, comprised the original release. The songs were arranged by Bill Holman and the album features an extended frontline of Jeru, Lee Konitz, Allen Eager, Zoot Sims and Al Cohn, and a rhythm trio of Henry Grimes, Dave Bailey and guitarist Freddie Green. The remaining four bonus tracks are some of the 50s top jazz compositions -- two Horace Silver numbers including "The Preacher," Tadd Dameron's "Good Bait" and Milt Jackson's "Bags Groove." These songs feature the unique sextet lineup of Mulligan, drummer Bailey, bassist Vinnie Burke, guitarist Paul Palmieri, violinist Dick Whetmore and cellist Calo Scott. Don't worry, there is no "third stream" thing going on here, just Mulligan, the tireless innovator, finding new ways to swing. "The Gerry Mulligan Songbook" is a vast one, and it is certainly worth cashing in your Mulligan for this disc."