Gerry Mulligan Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster LP

Recorded in 1959, the "King of Baritone" sax meets his soulful, melodic tenor counterpart. Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster was 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.

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...The opening track, Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge" is lush and emotional and truly sets the tone for this album. With Jimmy Rowles on piano..., Mel Lewis on drums, and the always superb Leroy Vinnegar on 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 of Duke Ellington hovers over every note on this record... 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.