Mulligan Meets Monk

by Thelonious Monk, Gerry Mulligan

Overview

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. [Some reissues include a handful of alternate takes.] ~ Anthony Tognazzini

Product Details

Release Date:	11/16/2010
Label:	Origin Records / Hi Horse Records / Riverside Records
UPC:	0025218030113
Rank:	70733

Tracks

1. 'Round Midnight
2. Rhythm-a-Ning
3. Sweet and Lovely
4. Decidedly
5. Decidedly
6. Straight, No Chaser
7. Straight, No Chaser
8. I Mean You
9. I Mean You

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Gerry Mulligan   Primary Artist,Sax (Baritone)
Thelonious Monk   Primary Artist,Piano
Shadow Wilson   Primary Artist,Drums
Jules LeMare   Primary Artist
Wilbur Ware   Primary Artist,Bass
Harry Tobias   Primary Artist
Cootie Williams   Primary Artist
Gus Arnheim   Primary Artist
Connie Kay   Drums
Zoot Sims   Sax (Tenor)
Percy Heath   Bass
Miles Davis   Trumpet

Technical Credits

Paul Bacon   Cover Design
Bernie Hanighen   Composer
Jack Higgins   Engineer
Joe Tarantino   Mastering
Charlie Parker   Composer
Jules LeMare   Composer
Peter Grant   Design,Series Design
Thelonious Monk   Composer,Performer
Gerry Mulligan   Composer,Performer
Akira Taguchi   Producer
Harry Tobias   Composer
Coleman Hawkins   Composer
Cootie Williams   Composer
Orrin Keepnews   Producer,Liner Notes
Gus Arnheim   Composer
Phil DeLancie   Digital Remastering
Alan Yoshida   Mastering
Arnheim   Composer
Charles "Cootie" Williams   Composer
Sam Gay   Creative Director
Robert Parent   Cover Photo,Photography
Gus Amheim   Composer