Gerry Mulligan & Ben Webster – Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster (AS Verve Viny LP)

Gerry Mulligan & Ben Webster’s Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster on 180g LP. Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the Original Analog Tapes, Pressed at QRP and Packaged in a Stoughton Printing Gatefold Old-Style Tip-On Jacket.

Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster was just one of many “meets” albums that Gerry Mulligan appeared on during the period when this classic was recorded — Nov. 3 and Dec. 2, 1959, in Los Angeles. Mulligan and Pepper Adams were the baritone saxophonists during the golden age of modern jazz, both masters of the unwieldy and deep-toned instrument.

History was made here, as was a classic record for the ages. Mulligan was an innovator of the west coast cool jazz style who flourished playing with all manner of jazz musicians. The tunes he and Webster recorded are smooth, lush and emotional, driven along by a rhythm section that swings with just the right amount of bop. The result is an album that’s included among NPR’s “Basic Jazz Record Library.”

Seeking to offer definitive audiophile grade versions of some of the most historic and best jazz records ever recorded, Verve’s vinyl reissue series utilizes the skills of top mastering engineers and the unsurpassed production craft of Quality Record Pressings. All titles are mastered from the original analog tapes, pressed on 180-gram vinyl and packaged by Stoughton Printing Co. in high-quality gatefold sleeves with tip-on jackets.

Musicians:
Gerry Mulligan, baritone saxophone
Ben Webster, tenor saxphone
Mel Lewis, drums
Jimmy Rowles, piano
Leroy Vinnegar, bass

1. Chelsea Bridge
2. The Cat Walk
3. Sunday
4. Who’s Got Rhythm
5. Tell Me When
6. Go Home