Friday, February 20, 2015

Gerry Mulligan Paul Desmond Quartet - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:30
Size: 156.8 MB
Styles: West Coast jazz, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1957/1993
Art: Front

[9:01] 1. Blues In Time
[9:39] 2. Body And Soul
[3:25] 3. Stand Still
[3:06] 4. Line For Lyons
[6:57] 5. Wintersong
[7:43] 6. Battle Hymn Of The Republican
[5:47] 7. Fall Out
[7:57] 8. Tea For Two
[8:08] 9. Wintersong
[6:43] 10. Lover

This is the first recorded collaboration of baritone saxophone great Gerry Mulligan and the witty alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. Despite hardly any preparation for these recording sessions, the two men complement one another's playing beautifully, as both of them were highly melodic improvisers. Desmond brought three originals to the sessions: the driving "Blues in Time," the soft ballad "Wintersong" (which is based on the chord changes to "These Foolish Things"), and "Battle Hymn of the Republican" (which is actually a complex reworking of "Tea for Two"). Mulligan's contributions include his earlier hit "Line for Lyons," "Stand Still" (based on "My Heart Stood Still"), and the Latin-tinged "Fall Out" (taken from "Let's Fall in Love"). Mulligan was clearly annoyed when told that three unissued tracks ("Tea for Two," "Lover," and an alternate take of "Wintersong") had been added to the CD reissue, but was clearly amused at the accidental and unlisted first take of "Lover," which falls apart after a minute-and-a-half and is followed by some discussion. Bassist Joe Benjamin and drummer Dave Bailey provide excellent rhythmic support throughout this highly recommended CD. ~Ken Dryden

Gerry Mulligan Paul Desmond Quartet

1 comment:

  1. The focus is on the two saxophones. Seems we hear nothin' else... Anyway, this is a pretty good 1950's jazz record. Merci,

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