White Hot on side two, nearly White on side one, this live album is crazy good sounding on this copy. Huge space, size and clarity, with Tubey Magical richness befitting its 1960 recording dates. On the second track of side two the swingin’ Zoot Sims is as immediate and real as any sax player can be.
Even though this is an All Tube Vintage Jazz recording, some copies tended to get a bit dry and midrangy. Some of this no doubt has to do with the different venues the songs were recorded in.
The sound is not particularly wide — some of it sounds almost mono — but it is tall and deep, and certainly more than spacious enough.
Side One
Big, rich and Tubey Magical, this side is so relaxed and natural you will soon find yourself forgetting the sound and just digging the music.
Big bass too. Smooth yet clear, that’s our sound.
Side Two
Even better — no other copy could beat it.
On this copy Zoot’s tenor sax on Come Rain or Come Shine is especially rich and tubey, yet so immediate and dynamic.
What a great player and what a great record!
The Players
Bob Brookmeyer Piano, Trombone (Valve)
Conte Candoli Trumpet
Willie Dennis Trombone
Bob Donovan Sax (Alto)
Don Ferrara Trumpet
Mel Lewis Drums
Gerry Mulligan Arranger, Piano, Sax (Baritone)
Gene Quill Clarinet
Alan Raph Trombone
Jimmy Reider Sax (Tenor)
Nick Travis Trumpet
Zoot Sims Sax
TRACK LISTING
Side One
Go Home
Barbara’s Theme
I Want To Live
Side Two
Red Door
Come Rain Or Shine
Apple Core
Go Home
AMG Review
Gerry Mulligan’s fourth album to feature his Concert Jazz Band comes from a series of concerts taped in the latter half of 1960. The loping blues “Go Home,” written by Ben Webster for his record date with Mulligan, is heard in two contrasting performances, both arranged by Bill Holman. The first features Mulligan on both baritone sax and piano, while he omits piano from the second version. Johnny Mandel successfully adapted two pieces for the Concert Jazz Band which were written for his best-known film soundtrack, the exotic “Barbara’s Theme” (showcasing trumpeter Don Ferrara) and the moody “Theme From I Want to Live!” (with some hot playing by valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer). Tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims, who had previously toured with Mulligan’s sextet and always swings effortlessly, is featured as a special guest on several of the selections, including his swinging “The Red Door” (written with Mulligan) and “Apple Core.” Valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer is the other major soloist. This highly recommended album has long been out of print, but is scheduled to be included in the upcoming Mosaic boxed set of Gerry Mulligan & the Concert Jazz Band.