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. For this RCA CD (a series that reissued some of the earlier Bluebirds under the RCA banner), 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 Kind" and "Blight of the Fumble Bee") and the interplay between Desmond and Mulligan is consistently delightful. Highly recommended. [RCA also released the album in 1962.] ~ Scott Yanow|
Rovi