Gerry Mulligan Swiss Radio Days Jazz Series, Vol. 12: Zurich 1960 CD

It's always regrettable when a high-quality jazz band isn't recorded as much as it deserves to be; in fact, it's downright tragic that Thelonious Monk's 1957 performances with John Coltrane at the Five Spot in New York weren't documented extensively. But thankfully, Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band of 1960-1963 was well documented and resulted in some rewarding albums. One of them is Zurich, 1960, which was recorded live at Mustermesse Basel in Zurich, Switzerland, on November 17, 1960. This CD finds the 14-piece Concert Jazz Band in excellent form during a concert that ranges from well-known standards (including "Body and Soul" and "You Took Advantage of Me") to swinging Mulligan originals like "The Apple Core," "C," and "Walkin' Shoes." Although Mulligan's subtle, lyrical baritone sax is the main attraction -- arguably, he was the Stan Getz of the baritone -- the improviser doesn't hesitate to feature such five-star soloists as trumpeter Conte Candoli, tenor saxman Zoot Sims, trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, and alto saxman Gene Quill (who is also heard on clarinet). And whoever is taking a solo, the band has a consistently insightful and sensitive drummer in Mel Lewis. ~ Alex Henderson

& The Concert Jazz Big Band.

With The Concert Jazz Big Band

Personnel includes: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Gene Quill (alto saxophone); Zoot Sims, Bob Donovan, Jim Reider (tenor saxophone); Gene Allen (baritone saxophone); Conte Candoli, Don Ferrara, Nick Travis (trumpet); Bob Brookmeyer, Willie Dennis (trombone); Allan Ralph (bass trombone); Buddy Clark (bass); Mel Lewis (drums).

Gerry Mulligan: Bob Donovan, Gene Quill (alto saxophone); Jim Reider, Zoot Sims (tenor saxophone); Gene Allan, Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Conte Candoli, Don Ferrara, Nick Travis (trumpet); Willie Dennis , Bob Brookmeyer (trombone); Alan Raph, Buddy Clark (bass guitar); Mel Lewis (drums).