Gerry Mulligan Complete 1953 Studio Masters CD - Import

For those who found the Mosaic set too intimidating, and the Capitol multi-disc sets too much of a good thing, this Jazz Factory budget collection of the complete studio masters of Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker from 1953 -- before the West Coast jazz sound had firmly established itself as a "scene," and before Chet Baker sang. The 25 cuts here are all full of the luster and magic that this dynamic duo held between them before drugs, egos, and money tore them apart. These sides comes from Pacific Jazz, Fantasy, and Gene Norman Presents.. and include some of the most definitive performances in either man's career. Chico Hamilton was the drummer on the Fantasy sides, and Larry Bunker on the rest; Carson Smith played bass here. Most notable are the readings of "Limelight," "The Lady Is a Tramp," "Moonlight in Vermont," "Darn That Dream," "Lady Bird," and the LP take of "I May Be Wrong," which closes the set. For the price, the sound and depth of this collection can't be beat. ~ Thom Jurek

This 20-bit remastered release presents in chronological order all the master takes originally issued by the classic Gerry Mulligan piano-less quartet featuring Chet Baker on trumpet plus six rare studio performances for the GNP label. Twenty-five 24-bit remastered tracks including one bonus track, 'I May Be Wrong'. Jazz Factory. 2003.

Recording information: Gold Star Studios, Los Angeles, CA (01/03/1953-05/07/1953); Los Angeles, CA (01/03/1953-05/07/1953); Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, CA (01/03/1953-05/07/1953).

Personnel: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Chet Baker (trumpet); Chico Hamilton, Larry Bunker (drums).

Liner Note Author: Eric Mills.