Gerry Mulligan and Paul Desmond with the Dave Brubeck Trio: Monday YouTube Fix

Every time I stumble onto a clip like this I try to wrap my head around being able to watch things like this, a performance from close to 45 years ago, on my phone while sitting in my pajamas.  The internet sure is a wonderful thing.

Gerry Mulligan is one of my musical heroes.  Not that the rest of the guys in this clip aren't legends, but Gerry has always spoken loudly to me.  The effortless flow to his phrasing.  A tone that seems to sing all on its own.  The first time I heard an album featuring both him and Chet Baker it changed me.  I don't think Paul Desmond or Dave Brubeck need any introduction.

This is live performance is from November 4, 1972 in Berlin.  The full personnel:

Gerry Mulligan - bari sax
Paul Desmond - alto sax
Dave Brubeck - piano
Jack Six - bass
Alan Dawson - drums

Enjoy!

Dave Brubeck Trio spec.Guest Paul Desmond & Gerry Mulligan 1972 1. Blues For Newport 2. All The Things You Are 3. For All We Know 4. Line For Lyons 5. Blessed Are The Poor (The Sermon On The Mount) 6. Mexican Jumping Bean 7. Sign Off 8. Someday My Prince Will Come 9.

Paul Desmond & Gerry Mulligan - Monday YouTube Fix

I am a huge fan of the recordings Gerry Mulligan did without any chordal instruments, such as this one or the very famous sessions he did with Chet Baker.  Two melodic instruments accompanied by only bass and drums leaves so much room for the music to breathe.  It also gives the songs a transparent quality that makes it very easy to process and very pleasant to listen to. This recording of "All The Things You Are" from 1962 features:

Paul Desmond - Alto Sax Gerry Mulligan - Baritone Sax Wendell Marshall - Bass Connie Kay - Drums

One of the commenters on YouTube linked to a perfect transcription of both solos on adjoining staffs.  Following along with both the solos and the chords is a great lesson.  The internet is filled with nuggets like this, we just have to find them!

Enjoy!