Search - Gerry Sextet Mulligan :: Presenting the Gerry Mulligan Sextet

Excellent

Tritone | United States | 03/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gerry Mulligan - Baritone saxophone

Dave Bailey - Drums

Peck Morrison - Bass

Zoot Sims Tenor - Sax

Bob Brookmeyer - Piano

John Eardley - Trumpet



Recorded in New York, 1955.



Tracks:

1. Mud Bug

2. Sweet and Lovely

3. Apple Core

4. Nights of the Turntable

5. Broadway

6. Everything Hapens To Me

7. The Lady is a Tramp

8. Bernie's Tune



From the Original Liner Notes: Gerry detests having an audience told whether or not a record is good, preferring that his audience judge for themselves. This we leave you to do, merely saying that all who were concerned with the making of this album are delighted with the results.



My comments: love these tunes. In my opinion it is some of Gerry's best work. I like these songs because there are often several themes that are interwoven together sometimes playing at the same time. It's probably not for the faint of heart, but I find the compositions immensely interesting and entertaining.

"

CD Reissue Of Hard To Find 1955 EmArcy Album

Donnie The B | USA | 07/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This original Gerry Mulligan Sextet came about shortly after the Chet Baker Quartet years, recorded in late 1955. Gerry tabbed Zoot Sims - the consummate swinger - for tenor saxophone, and Bob Brookmeyer - who became the 2nd horn in another Mulligan quartet - for trombone. The rhythm section here is not lauded enough. Peck Morrison on Bass and Dave Bailey on drums not only do an admirable job of driving this group, but acquit themselves well as solosits in spots. And since the only piano is the infrequent use of Bob or Gerry in this group, they had extra fill work to do often. Jon Eardley on trumpet was a nice surprise - quite an accomplished addition.



The music is boppish at times and "West Coast Cool" at others. It's hard to pick out a particular highlight, all the cuts swing! Gerry's playing is inspired and Zoot's is swinging as usual. Eardley usually does a nice job in solos and Bobby is one fine trombonist. And he shows himself to be a fine pianist on "Everything Happens To Me". Dig the interactions between Mulligan and Brookmeyer, as well as Gerry and Eardley. The two Mulligan originals are very well done, but so are the other 6 tunes. The sound is great, Hi-Fi Mono at it's best.



You may also want to check out Mulligan's quartet with Art Farmer on trumpet ca. 1958-59 ("What Is There To Say"). Then there's a later incarnation of the sextet with Farmer and Brookmeyer ("Night Lights" etc.)."