The Jazz Thing, Round 1 (40 Word/Album Limit)
#24 The Gerry Mulligan Quartet – "The Original Quartet with Chet Baker." (1953) v. #81 Joe Henderson – "Page One." (1963).
Sharp, energetic, and sophisticated, this music is nevertheless winning for its relentless determination to entertain. Sax, trumpet, and rhythm section – no piano, which may contribute to the crisp sound. Or maybe I’m just naturally drawn to “the West Coast Sound.”
And:
Intelligent, lean, and introspective sax-based small-ensemble jazz. I like it, and assumed it would be a winner when I first heard it. But that was before I heard the Gerry Mulligan Quartet. Well, it’s a tournament of tough choices.
The Original Quartet with Chet Baker defeats Page One
I understand you're just critiquing the music, but hey that Henderson album cover! I'm swooning.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? I didn't think there was going to be any music that could beat music packaged under that cover, if you follow me.
ReplyDeleteYo, I follow! That cover is perfection: the photo, the type, the palette ... I really miss the large(r) display of the long players.
ReplyDelete