Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Websterwas just one of many “meets” albums that Gerry Mulligan appeared on during the period when this classic was recorded Nov. 3 and Dec. 2, 1959, in Los Angeles. Mulligan and Pepper Adams werethebaritone saxophonists during the golden age of modern jazz, both masters of the unwieldy and deep-toned instrument.History was made here, as was a classic record for the ages. Mulligan was an innovator of the west coast cool jazz style who flourished playing with all manner of jazz musicians. The tunes he and Webster recorded are smooth, lush and emotional, driven along by a rhythm section that swings with just the right amount of bop. The result is an album that’s included among NPR’s “Basic Jazz Record Library.”

Make no mistake about it, the swing and bop start right here on this legendary 1959 session between baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and tenor man Ben Webster. Produced by Norman Granzas an early Verve album, this reissue is sonically worth the extra bread as it feels like you’re right in the control room every note of the way. The opening track,Billy Strayhorn‘s “Chelsea Bridge” is lush and emotional and truly sets the tone for this album. WithJimmy Rowleson piano (his intro on “Sunday” sounds like a ragtimer likeWillie “The Lion” Smithjust pushed him off the stool before the band came in),Mel Lewison drums, and the always superbLeroy Vinnegaron bass present and accounted for, the rhythm section is superbly swinging with just the right amount of bop lines and chords in the mix to spice things up.

The ghost ofDuke Ellingtonhovers over every note on this record (Billy Strayhornwas one of his main arrangers) and that is a very good thing, indeed. There’s a beautiful, understated quality to the music on this session that makes it the perfect relaxing around the house on a rainy day disc to pop in the player. File this one under cool, very smooth, and supple. via AllMusic

Label: Verve Records, UMe
Series: Acoustic Sounds Series
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Repress, Stereo, 180g, Gatefold
Reissued: 2024 / Original Release: 1960
Genre: Jazz
Style: Cool Jazz

File under: Audiophile Jazz