Gerry Mulligan - The Original Gerry Mulligan Tentet & Quartet (1954) [1996]

A natural extension of Tadd Dameron's concept of bop arranging for big band (and big band arranging for small group), this album features one of Dameron's compositions ("Lady Bird"), along with a handful of standards: a Miles Davis original and eight Mulligan compositions that truly represent the West Coast style in both sound and spirit. A young but exciting Chet Baker is heard throughout on trumpet; other West Coast notables include Bud Shank, Pete Candoli, and Chico Hamilton, and the entire ensemble performs admirably. For those interested in the '50s West Coast scene, or new fans looking for quintessential Gerry Mulligan, look no further than Tentet and Quartet.


Tracks:

01. Love Me or Leave Me (3:16)
02. Swing House (3:24)
03. Westwood Walk (2:36)
04. Simbah (3:00)
05. Walkin' Shoes (3:39)
06. Rocker (2:30)
07. A Ballad (2:55)
08. Taking a Chance on Love (2:52)
09. Flash (3:05)
10. Ontet (3:19)
11. Varsity Drag (2:24)
12. Speak Low (2:09)
13. Half Nelson (3:02)
14. Lady Bird (4:28)

Personnel:

Gerry Mulligan Tentet: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone, piano); Chet Baker (trumpet); Bud Shank (alto saxophone); Don Davison (baritone saxophone); Pete Candoli (trumpet); John Graas (French horn); Bob Enevoldsen (trombone); Ray Seigel (tuba); Joe Mondragon (bass); Chico Hamilton (drums).
Gerry Mulligan Quartet: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Chet Baker (trumpet); Carson Smith (bass); Larry Bunker (drums).