Thelonious Monk And Gerry Mulligan – Mulligan Meets Monk LP

This set, which includes four compositions by Monk and one by Mulligan, is unassailable. Mulligan acquits himself admirably on the Monk classics ‘Round Midnight’, ‘Rhythm-a-ning’ and ‘Straight, No Chaser’, unfurling his smooth tone over their zigzagging melodies and ambitious scalar architecture. Mulligan’s ‘Decidedly’, a bright bop workout, fits easily alongside Monk’s tunes, especially with the help of Monk’s off-kilter, accented comping. Bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Shadow Wilson lend solid support to the spirited playing of the two leaders, making this top-notch session (with its great tunes, chemistry, and soloing) a true classic