Thelonious Monk And Gerry Mulligan – Mulligan Meets Monk
Piano – Thelonious Monk [click here to see more vinyl featuring Thelonious Monk]
Baritone Saxophone – Gerry Mulligan [click here to see more vinyl featuring Gerry Mulligan]
Bass – Wilbur Ware
Drums – Shadow Wilson
Written by Thelonious Monk (A1-2, B1, B3), Gus Arnheim (A3), Harry Tobias (A3), Jules Lemare (A3), Cootie Williams (A1), Gerry Mulligan (B1)
1LP, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES (Digital Remastering)
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : Black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : QRP
Label : Original Jazz Classics
Original Label : Riverside
Recorded at Reeves Sound Studios, NYC, on August 12 (A2, B2-3) and 13 (A1, A3, B1) 1957
Engineered by Ray Fowler
Produced by Orrin Keepnews at Bill Grauer Productions Inc.
Remastered by Phil De Lancie at Fantasy Studios
Originally released in January 1957
Reissued in 2010
Tracks:
Side A:
- 'Round Midnight
- Rhythm-A-Ning
- Sweet and Lovely
Side B:
- Decidedly
- Straight No Chaser
- I Mean You
Reviews:
“Mulligan Meets Monk documents the 1957 meeting of two sharp musical minds. Though the pairing may seem unlikely, baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan -- whose cool, West Coast style blends dexterity with laid-back grace -- and Thelonious Monk -- whose radical, angular piano playing and thoroughly modern compositions are blueprints for the possibilities of bop -- sound remarkable together. In fact, it is the contrast between the players' styles that lends this set its balance and appeal. The program, which includes four compositions by Monk and one by Mulligan, is unassailable. Mulligan acquits himself admirably on the Monk classics "'Round Midnight," "Rhythm-a-ning," and "Straight, No Chaser," unfurling his smooth tone over their zigzagging melodies and ambitious scalar architecture. Mulligan's "Decidedly," a bright bop workout, fits easily alongside Monk's tunes, especially with the help of Monk's off-kilter, accented comping. Bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Shadow Wilson lend solid support to the spirited playing of the two leaders, making this top-notch session -- with its great tunes, chemistry, and soloing -- a true classic.” AllMusic Review by Anthony Tognazzini
Ratings:
AllMusic : 4 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.47 / 5