Thursday, May 31, 2007

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST Song Of The Day-Gerry Mulligan


Artist:Gerry Mulligan

Song:Round Midnight

Album:Mulligan Meets Monk





Gerry Mulligan is the foremost practicioner of the jazz baritone sax. He was born Apr. 6, 1927 in New York City. He started out as an arranger in the 40s and his first significant recording on baritone sax was Miles Davis' 1949 classic Birth Of The Cool. He moved to Los Angeles and his 1952 band with trumpeter Chet Baker made them both stars. His other significant band in the 50s was in 1958 with trumpeter Art Farmer and this video is from the 1958 Sound Of Jazz TV show with Henry Grimes on bass and Dave Bailey on drums. In the late 50s, Mulligan made several records with some of his favourite musicians including Paul Desmond, Stan Getz & Ben Webster. This recording with piano great Thelonious Monk was released on Riverside in 1957. Mulligan conforms to Monk's style and it turned out very well. Wilbur Ware is on bass and Shadow Wilson is on drums. Fantasy released this on CD with bonus alternate takes. Gerry Mulligan was a very versatile musician throughout his career until his death on Jan. 20, 1996 at age 68.

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