Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster CD

The last 5 tracks are previously unreleased songs from the original sessions.

This album combines the talents of two jazz giants. Saxophonist Ben Webster was one of the instrument's most influential exponents, primarily through his work with Duke Ellington. Mulligan, meanwhile, was an integral part of the 50s west coast movement and this set represents the confluence of two different generations. The featured quintet includes drummer Mel Lewis and bassist Leroy Vinnegar (who later played on the Doors' The Soft Parade), but the six tracks are noteworthy for the splendid empathy struck by Mulligan (baritone) and Webster (tenor). One of several collaborations between the former and notable guest artists, Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster is a fine example of how two seemingly disparate musicians can perform together superbly.

Although baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan was briefly typecast as an "heretical modernist" by jazz purists (his piano-less quartet with Chet Baker in 1952 was considered radical), he was really just extending the tradition of swing-era sax giants like Lester Young and his idol, Ben Webster. This laid back, intergenerational summit, recorded in late 1959, grew out of informal Sunday jam sessions Mulligan and Webster had been having at Mulligan's house in L.A.

The vibe here is definitely "cool," West Coast-style, with each track soaked in quiet, luminous intensity. Along with the uncluttered accompaniment of pianist Jimmy Rowles, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Mel Lewis, the saxophonists add breathy life to chestnuts like "Chelsea Bridge" and "What Is This Thing Called Love," while Mulligan originals like "The Cat Walk" show off Webster's sly bluesiness. The two-CD set contains all of the original masters, plus six full-length alternate takes and nine extra tracks of breakdowns, rehearsals and studio discussions, providing listeners with an intimate peak into the creative process of these two renowned geniuses.

Recorded November 3 and December 2, 1959.

Recorded on November 3 and December 2, 1959.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

This is part of the Verve Master Editions series.

Personnel: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Jimmy Rowles (piano); Leroy Vinnegar (bass); Mel Lewis (drums).

Personnel: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Jimmie Rowles (piano); Leroy Vinnegar (bass); Mel Lewis (drums).

Personnel: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Jimmy Rowles (piano); Mel Lewis (drums).

Recording information: 11/03/1959-12/02/1959.

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..."