2LP set released in the 70's featuring work from both of these West Coast giants. The first half focuses on recordings of
Gerry Mulligan working with a strong early group –
Chet Baker on trumpet, Chico Hamilton on drums, and Carson Smith on bass – on 4 tracks recorded in San Francisco, and 4 others recorded slightly later in LA. The tunes are short, piano-less, and have that fluid 50s
Mulligan groove – and titles include "Turnstile", "Limelight", "Carioca", "Bark For Barksdale", and "Line For Lyons". Also included are recordings that feature
Gerry's own group – an ensemble that features Nick Travis on trumpet, Allen Eager on tenor, and George Wallington on piano – on all original
Mulligan titles that include "Ide's Side", "Bweebida Bobbida", "Kaper", "Funhouse", and "
Mulligan's Too". The second half of this set contains material recorded for Prestige by
Chet Baker in 1964.
Baker plays fluegelhorn, and he's backed by a fairly soulful combo that includes George Coleman on tenor, Kirk Lightsey on piano, Herman Wright on bass, and Roy Brooks on drums. The set grooves in a way that few other
Chet Baker albums do, which is something you might expect from a record that has tracks with titles like "Go Go", "Bevan Beeps", and "Rearin' Back".
(Cover has faint ring wear.)