Altoist
Paul Desmond and baritonist
Gerry Mulligan always made for a perfect team during their infrequent collaborations. Both of the saxophonists had immediately distinctive light tones, strong wits, and the ability to improvise melodically. Here the two masterful reed players are featured in pianoless quartets that also include
Wendell Marshall,
Joe Benjamin or
John Beal on bass, and
Connie Kay or
Mel Lewis on drums. The songs all utilize common chord changes, including the two "originals" ("Two of a Mind" and "Blight of the Fumble Bee"), and the interplay between
Desmond and
Mulligan is consistently delightful. Highly recommended. [Some reissues add five bonus tracks: two alternate takes of album tracks, a laid-back take of "Easy Living" that shows off
Mulligan's way with a ballad, and two takes of "Untitled Blues Waltz" that feature
Jim Hall on guitar and a very squeaky drum pedal.]