A natural extension of
Tadd Dameron's concept of bop arranging for big band (and big band arranging for small group), this album features one of
Dameron's compositions ("Lady Bird"), along with a handful of standards: a
Miles Davis original and eight
Mulligan compositions that truly represent the West Coast style in both sound and spirit. A young but exciting
Chet Baker is heard throughout on trumpet; other West Coast notables include
Bud Shank,
Pete Candoli, and
Chico Hamilton, and the entire ensemble performs admirably. For those interested in the '50s West Coast scene, or new fans looking for quintessential
Gerry Mulligan, look no further than
Tentet and Quartet. ~ Gregg Juke