Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker created quite a stir in 1952 with their "piano-less" quartet. I suppose you could say, as we Straussian political theorists do, that the piano is conspicuous by its absence. The two disc Original Quartet is surely Mulligan's magnum opus. With just a bass and drums behind Mulligan's tugboat baritone sax and Baker's ever-romantic trumpet, the rich collection combines the best elements of the trio, duet, and quartet forms. This music has that "real thing" feel: raw and perfect.
Here is a sample:
Gerry Mulligan Quartet with Chet Baker/Makin' Woopee
Another Mulligan classic is Two of Mind with tenor Paul Desmond. Much the same may be said about this recording. I especially like the contrast between the liquorish sound of Desmond's alto and the velvet cushion of Mulligan's baritone. I have said it before: I like the low horns.
Here is a sample:
Paul Desmond and Gerry Mulligan/All The Things You Are
Give these a listen, and if you like them, buy the discs. Both the Bluebird edition of Two of a Mind and a shorter version are available at eMusic. And don't forget to leave a comment. I had no friends when I was a kid. This is all I got.
ps. I listened to Anthony Braxton's Six Monk's Compositions again this afternoon. I really think that this is one of those neglected gems.
Poor Ya! I had no friends too as a kid. Records were my beast companions... I like what I discover on yr blog and I wish you lots of friends. :-))) I am mainly a silent friend of yours, who once urged you to listen to some Harold Betters (trombonist).
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
I meant "best" companions. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ravel. I do seem to have some friends in the Jazz blogosphere.
ReplyDelete