Baritonist
Gerry Mulligan had at the time of this recording been a jazz giant for 45 years. His slightly bubbly baritone sound has always been distinctive and he never had difficulty jamming with anyone. In the 1990s
Mulligan's regular trio has been comprised of pianist
Ted Rosenthal, bassist
Dean Johnson and drummer
Ron Vincent. The sidemen work together very well on this quartet date (
Bill Mays fills in for
Rosenthal on two songs) and form a solid foundation for
Mulligan to float over. The baritonist performs a variety of superior standards such as "Home," "They Say It's Wonderful," and "My Shining Hour," revives "My Funny Valentine"; he also revisits a few of his originals (including "Walking Shoes" and "Song for Strayhorn"). This is a fine example of
Gerry Mulligan's playing. ~ Scott Yanow