David Larsen - The Mulligan Chronicles

David Larsen - The Mulligan Chronicles -Self-produced

Saxophonist-educator-composer David Larsen's exploration into Gerry Mulligan's compositions has culminated in "The Mulligan Chronicles." Larsen says, "In my studies, I traveled to the Library of Congress to view hundreds of Gerry Mulligan's handwritten scores and interview countless musicians." Larsen has put together a repertoire that ranges from early to later Mulligan compositions. On baritone sax, he has recruited for this effort musicians who all had an association with Mulligan. Trombonist Dave Glenn played 2nd trombone for Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band, while Pianist Bill Mays worked with Gerry off and on since the 1980s. Bassist Dean Johnson worked with Gerry for almost all of his later career, and drummer Ron Vincent joined Gerry's working quartet in the 1990s. It is a band that is true to Mulligan's music's spirit and style while the members bring their voices.

The relaxed loping groove of "Walkin' Shoes" starts with Larsen takes a burly solo followed by the other quintet members that capture the feel of a 50s World Pacific or Prestige recording. Larsen is a strong player and leader and takes the group through various settings such as the light swinger, "Curtains," with Larsen and Glenn trading choruses, or the moody tribute to Monk, "Good Neighbor Thelonious," with a superlative Mays solo. There is the delight of the call and response of the horns playing the head of "Festive Minor."

On "Idol Gossip," Larsen and the ensemble ably handle the brisker tempo with a particularly burly baritone sax solo from the leader. This track is followed by a lively rendition of the Latin rhythms of "Rico Apollo." Larsen and Mays further shine on "The Flying Scotsman" with its shifting motifs, while "Out Back of the Barn" has a down-home, bluesy feel. Glenn plays with a touch of gutbucket here. Larsen exhibits a more reflective tone on a lovely ballad, "Etude For France."

Combining Gerry Mulligan's compositions with first-rate, straight-ahead playing, David Larsen has produced the memorable "The Mulligan Chronicles."

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here David Larsen leads the group on "Walkin' Shoes."