Of all the recordings made by Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band in the 1960s, this is the definitive one. There are many high points, including "Body and Soul" (which has fine solos from the baritone/leader and valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer), "Come Rain or Come Shine," and the swinging "Let My People Be," but "Blueport" takes honors. On the latter, after hot solos by Mulligan, trombonist Willie Dennis, and Jim Reider on tenor, Mulligan and trumpeter Clark Terry have a lengthy trade-off that is quite hilarious with a countless number of quotes from different songs; at one point they trade off cities. This music is essential. - by Scott Yanow, AMG
Artit: Gerry Mullihan and the Concert Jazz Band
Album: At the Village Vanguard
Year: 1961
Label: Verve (2002, 24-bit remastered)
Total time: 40:51
Tracks:
1. Blueport (Art Farmer) 4:10
2. Body And Soul (Frank Eyton/Johnny Green/Edward Heyman/Robert Sour) 11:06
3. Black Nightgown (Johnny Mandel) 5:44
4. Come Rain or Come Shine (Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer) 5:35
5. Lady Chatterlay's Mother (Al Cohn) 6:14
6. Let My People Be (Gerry Mulligan) 7:59
Personnel:
Gerry Mulligan (Baritone Saxophone, Piano and Arranger)
Don Ferrara (Trumpet)
Clark Terry (Trumpet)
Nick Travis (Trumpet)
Bob Brookmeyer (Trombone)
Willie Dennis (Trombone)
Alan Ralph (Trombone)
Gene Quill (Clarinet and Alto Saxophone)
Bob Donovan (Alto Saxophone)
Jim Reider (Tenor Saxophone)
Gene Allen (Baritone Saxophone and Bass Clarinet)
Bill Crow (Double Bass)
Mel Lewis (Drums)
Al Cohn (Arranger) - 1
Johnny Mandel (Arranger) - 3