Gerry Mulligan

INCLUDES 1 BONUS TRACK

4 STARS DOWN BEAT MAGAZINE

Even though Gerry Mulligan was famous in the 1950s for leading piano-less quartets, he never had anything against the instrument. In fact, he often played piano himself. The 1962 Jeru quintet session showcases the saxophonist backed by pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Ben Tucker, drummer Dave Bailey, and the congas of Alec Dorsey, on seven songs (all but “Get Out of Town” are somewhat obscure). No other collaborations between Mulligan and Flanagan are known to exist! This album was originally produced by drummer Dave Bailey for his Jazztime label, but was finally issued on Columbia. The LP was intended as a collection of ballads, at the suggestion of Bailey, who thought Mulligan’s ballad playing had not been appropriately featured yet on records. “Jeru” was a nickname Miles Davis gave to Mulligan, who had worked with him in the celebrated 1948 nonet. There is, in fact, a Gerry Mulligan composition titled “Jeru” that was included, for instance, on the album Birth of the Cool. However, this tune was not contained on the original Jeru LP. We have added as a bonus Mulligan’s 1953 version of “Jeru”, with Chet Baker on trumpet. No alternate takes exist from the 1962 Jeru session.

PERSONNEL:

GERRY MULLIGAN, baritone sax
TOMMY FLANAGAN, piano
BEN TUCKER, bass
DAVE BAILEY, drums
ALEC DORSEY, conga drums

New York, June 30, 1962.

Original session produced by Dave Bailey for his Jazztime label.

* BONUS TRACK (B4)
Gerry Mulligan (bar), Chet Baker (tp), Carson Smith (b), Larry Bunker (d).
Los Angeles, April 27, 1953.

SIDE A:
1 CAPRICIOUS
2 HERE I’LL STAY
3 INSIDE IMPROMPTU
4 YOU’VE COME HOME

SIDE B:
1 GET OUT OF TOWN
2 BLUE BOY
3 LONEL