Broadcast on 07-Dec-2009

"Mulligan Meets Monk" is tonight's Feature. It's premise is simple, a meeting of two great original minds. Monk, of course and Mulligan, one of the most identifiable voices of the baritone saxophone. In 1957 they were neighbors and friends and spent time at each others homes. Gerry, who was no slouch at the piano would play duets with Monk for their own enjoyment. Savvy producer Orrin Keepnews knew of their relationship and since he couldn't record the existing Monk quartet with John Coltrane as Coltrane was under exclusive contract with another label, Keepnews opted to ask Monk if he would like to do an album with Gerry Mulligan. Monk said "sure,man"....and the album was born. Monk's rhythm section with Wilbur Ware on bass and the great "Shadow" Wilson on drums was used and they as well as Monk prodded Gerry into some wonderful playing. The date went down smoothly in two afternoon sessions. Four Monk tunes were used including, at Gerry's request, "Round Midnight". One Mulligan original and one standard that Monk liked completed the date. The recording was released in late 1957 and reviewed favorably in Down Beat Magazine with 4 and a half stars out of five. While some critics and musicians cried "mismatch" and "failure",the record stands the test of time and is a warm swinging, conversational date that was, as Gerry put it, "fun to play and I hope, fun to listen to". I think you'll agree.