PAUL DESMOND GERRY MULLIGAN Two of a Mind LP '63 Stereo

PAUL DESMOND & GERRY MULLIGAN Two of a Mind LPCategory / Style / Moods: * Cool * Ballads * Mainstream Jazz Moods Instruments * Melancholy * Calm/Peaceful * Poignant * Reflective * Romantic * Intimate * Gentle * Soothing[[$VALUE]] / [[$VALUEDATE]] [[$RATING]] asocc1963 US RCA LSP-2624 LPTITLE: Two of a MindARTIST: PAUL DESMOND & GERRY MULLIGANCONDITIONVINYL: VG+ or betterCOVER: VGClick here for info on grading and abbreviationsHard to find original stereo press black/silver labelClick the pix for a better view Reviewby Scott YanowAltoist Paul Desmond and baritonist Gerry Mulligan always made for a perfect team during their infrequent collaborations. Both of the saxophonists had immediately distinctive light tones, strong wits, and the ability to improvise melodically. For this RCA CD (a series that reissued some of the earlier Bluebirds under the RCA banner), the two masterful reed players are featured in pianoless quartets that also include Wendell Marshall, Joe Benjamin or John Beal on bass, and Connie Kay or Mel Lewis on drums. The songs all utilize common chord changes, including the two "originals" ("Two of a Kind" and "Blight of the Fumble Bee"), and the interplay between Desmond and Mulligan is consistently delightful. Highly recommended. [The 2003 Bluebird reissue boasts crisp remastered sound, extensive liner notes, and five bonus tracks: alternate takes of two album tracks, "All the Things You Are" and "The Way You Look Tonight," a laid-back take of "Easy Living" that shows off Mulligan's way with a ballad, and two takes of "Untitled Blues Waltz" that feature Jim Hall on guitar and a very squeaky drum pedal. They play the first version straight, but on take two Mulligan shifts over to piano and Desmond tries his hand at baritone, sounding pretty good until the band suddenly stops at scarcely more than a minute and a half into the track. A nice little rarity. The bonus tracks are a strong addition to a great collaborative effort.]Tracks1 . All the Things You Are Hammerstein, Kern 5:51Composed by:Hammerstein, KernPerformed by:Desmond, Gerry Mulligan 2 . Stardust Carmichael, Parish 8:22Composed by:Carmichael, ParishPerformed by:Desmond, Gerry Mulligan 3 . Two of a Mind Desmond 5:59Composed by:DesmondPerformed by:Desmond, Gerry Mulligan 4 . Blight of the Fumble Bee Mulligan 7:02Composed by:MulliganPerformed by:Desmond, Gerry Mulligan 5 . The Way You Look Tonight Fields, Kern 7:21Composed by:Fields, KernPerformed by:Desmond, Gerry Mulligan 6 . Out of Nowhere Green, Heyman 6:35 Biographyby Thom Jurek Paul Desmond is widely recognized for his genius as a melodic improviser and as the benchmark of cool jazz sax players. His warm, elegant tone was one that he admittedly tried to make sound like a dry martini. He and Art Pepper were virtually the only alto players of their generation not directly influenced by Charlie Parker. Desmond was influenced by Lester Young, but took it further, into melodic and harmonic worlds never before traveled by reedmen -- especially in the upper registers. Desmond is best known for his years with the Dave Brubeck Quartet (1959-1967) and his infamous composition "Take Five." He met Brubeck in the late '40s and played with his Octet. The Quartet formed toward the end of 1950 and took final shape with Eugene Wright and Joe Morello a few years later. Jazz at Oberlin and Take Five were considered essential purchases by college students of the era, but Jazz Impressions of Japan was its most innovative recording. Desmond played his loping, slow, ordered, and intricate solos in direct contrast to the pianist's obsession with large chords, creating a myriad of textures for melodic and rhythmic counterpoint unlike any heard in jazz. His witty quotations from musicals, classical pieces, and folk songs were also a watermark of his artistry. When the Quartet split in 1967, Desmond began an intermittent yet satisfying recording career. It included dates with Gerry Mulligan for Verve, various sessions with Jim Hall, and a concert with the the Modern Jazz Quartet. He played his last gigs with the Brubeck Quartet at reunions before dying of lung cancer. This exquisite piece of retro music history is a vinyl sound recording (not a CD). Please visit the A Sound Deal store for similar items and information on grading and shipping. Add me to your favorites for red hot sales bulletins and sneak previews of upcoming products. Combine Items to Save $$$! Click here to check the store for more!©A Sound Deal