Mulligan Meets Monk (Original Jazz Classics) [Remastered] [feat. Wilbur Ware & Shadow Wilson]

Originally released in 1957, Mulligan Meets Monk was the third edition of a series of collaborations between baritone sax man Gerry Mulligan and jazz giants; previous collaborators were Stan Getz and Paul Desmond. Here, he joins forces with legendary pianist Thelonious Monk (as well as bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Shadow Wilson). Performing mostly Monk compositions, they deliver a smooth and swinging collection that includes classic standards like "Straight, No Chaser" and "'Round Midnight," in addition to Mulligan's original "Decidedly." This remastered edition features sparkling clear audio and several alternate takes. Both musicians were headliners in their own right, going on to release countless records as solo artists and in various group incarnations. Yet they sound completely at ease and natural sharing the spotlight here, with a good-natured sonic give-and-take on each and every track. Monk passed away in 1982 and will be remembered as one of the quintessential jazz greats, and Mulligan (best known for his work with Miles on Birth of the Cool and later a quartet with Chet Baker) continued performing and writing until his death in 1996.