Customer Reviews

Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Personally I feel that this CD, which does not contain *all* of the famous tracks recorded by Mulligan and Webster together, is nevertheless quite adequate for anyone who wants a good, representative sample of what they achieved. And they certainly played extremely well as a combination. This is an exercise in real collaboration of people who obviously enjoyed playing together and did so very harmoniously. My own feeling is that Mulligan is sometimes more exciting, in other contexts, but here played in a rather more subdued manner so as to make sure that Webster was not in any way pushed into a secondary role. Webster is ultimately perhaps on this occasion the more interesting soloist, particularly when he produces his famous "whispering" sound. As others also say, he plays with great feeling, and very lyrically. Altogether, this is a very "quiet" collection of tracks, but that does not mean there is not plenty to enjoy; the music is quite beautiful. If you look for Mulligan in a more exciting and ebullient vein, then I'd go for the Berlin concert with Brubeck, or the excellent sextet of 1955-6. Which is not to say that his music is not rewarding on this CD. The other musicians on this CD are also very good, and everything is produced in very coherent, supple fashion. - Joost Daalder

This CD goes down like a good cappucino, smooth and creamy, relaxing, yet with a little kick. Perfect in the morning or late at night. Rich, warm, satisfying. The combination of Mulligan's baritone and Webster's tenor is a match made in heaven; these 2 were made for each other. This is such a great album, it's become one of my favorites. Not a bad track on the disc. Highly, highly recommended.

(Note please that I rarely give 5 stars.) Four stars for the whole record, 10 stars for Chelsea Bridge, which is one of the most moving and evocative pieces of music imaginable. Mulligan is a gutty foil for Webster's sublime expressions of love and passion. I had this on vinyl, and it was on the first CD I ever bought -- I think I bought a CD player when I saw the song had been released on CD. I am eternally grateful for this piece of music, which has sustained my belief in a world where such beauty is possible.

Too often, superlatives get tossed about in carelessness. Not here. This is essential listening to any jazz fan. The five bonus tracks of the cd are not mere alternate takes; they are a set from the same session which never made it to the original album, and equal in the quality of playing and material chosen. I agree with the other reviewer in this section, 'Chelsea Bridge' is alone worth the price of the cd. In fact, I heard 'Chelsea Bridge' from this cd on the radio, which prompted me to purchase it. This performance has to be among my personal top five favorite performances in jazz. The word sublime would in itself be an overstatment. The other material on the cd is also quite up to scratch, making this an essential addition to your collection in the truest sense of the word.

Ben Webster was one of the instruments most influential exponents, primarly through his work with Duke Ellington. Mulligan, meanwhile, was an integral part of the 50's west coast movement and this set represents the confluence of two different generations. This is a fine example of how two seemingly disparate musicians can perform together superbly.

It's gross to exaggerate too much, but this disc is so very good that it can withstand such praise. And at the cheap $ price, to call it a bargan is an understatement. The 20-bit remastering and additional tracks are fantastic. Webster's creamy tenor timbre never sounded better; Mulligan's unique baritone speaks for itself. If one is even remotely interested in the art form of jazz, this is a winner. If you love jazz, this is its quintessence: don't you have it already?

Even if you don't like jazz you just gotta like this CD. It is magic. Webster's definition of chemistry should include this CD cover. The sound is also spectacular. It really doesn't get any better than this (well maybe Webster's Jazzhus Vol 1) - if you haven't heard it, you got a big treat coming!

Two great sax players, one a tenor the other a barritone went into a recording studio at the end of the Fifties and produced a great album; "Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster". Both musicians were graduates of big bands, Mulligan with Gene Krupa and Webster with Ellington where they perfected their trade, here, they jam together with a small group of distinguished players: Leroy Vinnegar, Jimmy Rowles and Mel Lewis. This updated CD version includes a number of cuts that were not on the original album,including "In A Mellow Tone". A terrific playlist of ballads and swing, the two horns compliment each other beautifully and the end product is thrilling. I suggest you sample their take of "Chelsea Bridge". Gerry and Ben will be a great addition to your music library. As the Hipsters of this era would intone; "You
will dig it in a large way man."

Yes, it is an excellent CD, but it's not the best work done by either man, and I don't quite buy the symbiotic quality ascribed to this work by some others. The quartet does excellent work together, and I love the song choice, but there's a little too much respect going on here, as if the two leads were very careful--perhaps too much so--about giving each other their due. As a result, there's a little hesitancy in their work, and some of the songs just don't let loose enough, don't swing to the fullest.

Having said that, it's still a very enjoyable CD, especially on "In A Mellowtone," "Sunday," the loose, jokey 'Shoes' number, and their MJQ chamber music-like take on "Chelsea Bridge." The latter song may indeed be worth the price of the CD, but this composition probably makes any CD worth its price. That's more a testament to the song, one of the greatest in the jazz library, and only those with minimal competence could ruin it. There's a little too much blues on the CD as well. I love blues, but when played on a jazz CD it can get tedious after awhile.

All the musicians are in great form, and it's exciting to listen to this meeting of two of very best jazz musicians, but I think their solo work tops this collaboration. Ben Webster is always wonderful; you might want to start with "Big Ben." I've just discovered Mulligan (I have no idea why it took me so long), but I feel his two live concerts in Paris are more exciting and creative. After listening to Webster and Mulligan separately, you'll have heard each at his best, then give this CD a try
as a generally very satisfying experiment.

Whether its your first introduction to these two great artists, jazz in general, or if you're casting around for something interesting, this is for you. Lazy, cool, smooth, a perfect accompaniment at the end of a long hard day. I'd give it more stars if possible!