Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster

Ben Webster, Gerry Mulligan

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 21, 1990)
• Original Release Date: November 3, 1959
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B0000047A9
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #60,815 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This 1959 recording brings together two fine musicians from worlds that one might not usually connect. Gerry Mulligan's light and airy baritone saxophone represents the "cool," and Ben Webster's burred and blustery tenor is the epitome of a very "warm" swing. When this was recorded, however, the quintet was actually a working band. Mulligan had a profound appreciation of Webster's talent, and the two shared an affection for the music of Duke Ellington and his composing partner, Billy Strayhorn, both of whom are represented here. With pianist Jimmy Rowles, an accompanist of legendary subtlety, and the sparkling rhythm team of bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Mel Lewis, this is wonderful small-group jazz, literally beyond classification. There's something unique in the ensemble sound of the two horns, with all the gravity concentrated in the higher tenor, but this is very much a blowing session, with Webster at his lyrical, passionate best. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very satisfying recording, October 11, 2001

By	Joost Daalder (South Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars smooth and creamy, November 3, 2003

By	Thor Furbeck "jugglingmonk" (maryland usa) - See all my reviews

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.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars astonishing music, December 28, 2000

By	Benj Thomas (Washingon, DC USA) - See all my reviews

(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.