Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band Live At The Village Vanguard CD

Gene Quill (alto saxophone, clarinet); Bob Donovan (alto saxophone); Jim Reider (tenor saxophone); Gene Allen (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet);

Don Ferrara, Clark terry, Nick Travis (trumpet); Willie Dennis, Alan Ralph (trombone); Bill Crow (bass); Mel Lewis (drums).

Recorded in 1960 at The Village Vanguard, New York, New York. Includes liner notes by Nat Hentoff.

Of all the recordings made by Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band in the 1960s, this is the definitive one. There are many high points, including "Body and Soul" (which has fine solos from the baritone/leader and valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer), "Come Rain or Come Shine," and the swinging "Let My People Be," but "Blueport" takes honors. On the latter, after hot solos by Mulligan, trombonist Willie Dennis, and Jim Reider on tenor, Mulligan and trumpeter Clark Terry have a lengthy trade-off that is quite hilarious with a countless number of quotes from different songs; at one point they trade off cities. This music is essential. ~ Scott Yanow

It is puzzling to understand why so many of the Verve recordings by Gerry Mulligan & the Concert Jazz Band languish out of print, but this historic 1960 engagement at the Village Vanguard was finally reissued (though on a limited basis for only three years) in the spring of 2002. With a powerful band full of strong soloists (Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Clark Terry, and Willie Dennis, to name just a few), a solid rhythm section, and imaginative arrangements by either Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Al Cohn, or Johnny Mandel, this release has stood the test of time very well. Cohn's treatment of Art Farmer's "Blueport" kicks the band into high gear, with potent solos by Mulligan and the now overlooked tenor saxophonist Jim Reider. Brookmeyer's richly textured scoring of "Body and Soul" is very refreshing, while the lush ballad "Come Rain or Come Shine" is a Mulligan chart featuring the leader's mellow baritone sax. Terry's almost vocal muted trumpet solo steals the show in Mulligan's closing blues, "Let My People Be," which features the leader on piano. Don't put off buying this limited-edition reissue or you'll find yourself scouring auction lists to pay a hefty price for this highly recommended CD. ~ Ken Dryden

Bob Brookmeyer (arranger, trombone); Al Cohn, Johnny Mandel (arranger);

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

W/ Concert Jazz Band. Mini LP Jacket. 96/24

Personnel: Gerry Mulligan (saxophone, baritone saxophone, piano); Gene Quill (clarinet, alto saxophone); Bob Donovan (alto saxophone); Jimmy Reider (tenor saxophone); Clark Terry, Don Ferrara, Nick Travis (trumpet); Allen Ralph, Willie Dennis (trombone); Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone); Mel Lewis (drums).

Liner Note Author: Nat Hentoff.

Recording information: Village Vanguard, NY (12/1960).

Arrangers: Gerry Mulligan; Johnny Mandel; Al Cohn; Bob Brookmeyer.

Personnel includes: Gerry Mulligan (arranger, baritone saxophone, piano);