Search - Gerry Mulligan :: Mullenium

Mulligan arrangements at their slow cooking best

Philip J. Erickson | Boston, MA USA | 03/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a saxophonist, Gerry Mulligan was the ideal session man, who could jam with anyone old or new-school. Given his stature as the man who almost single-handedly put the baritone saxophone on the jazz map, his place in jazz history is secure. But it is when he picked up his arranger's pen and music staves that perhaps his finest work ensues. Mulligan, who got his start arranging for Gene Krupa's band, influenced countless numbers of arrangers (including most of the Kenton band book!).This collection provides a perfect introduction to Gerry's unfailingly lyrical arrangements, tight harmonies, and general slow cooking swing. You get lots of Gerry playing here as well, and he solos almost exactly like he arranges: with a close eye always toward the melodic, yet with innovative flowing lines. And I haven't even mentioned the killer bands here: Lee Konitz, Zoot Sims, Bob Brookmeyer, it goes on and on.For we baritone saxophone players, Gerry was The Man. This CD shows what a well-rounded musician he really was; one of the true geniuses of American popular music in the mid to late 20th century. Get it. Put it on. Find your Ray-Bans. Luxuriate in the harmony. You won't find a finer example of the west coast groove. (I also recommend anything with Gerry's 1960 Concert Jazz Band if you like this; unbelievably great.)"