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PARAISO Gerry Mulligan with Jane Duboc TELARC JAZZ CD-83361

 

 

1. Paraiso
2. No Rio
3. Sob a Estrela
4. O Bom Alvinho
5. Willow Tree
6. Bordado
7. Tarde em Itapoan
8. Amor em Paz
9. Wave
10. Tema pra Jobim
11. North Atlantic Run

Gerry Milligan – Baritone Sax

Jane Duboc – Vocals

Emanuel Moreire – Guitar

Charlie Ernst – Piano

Rogerio Maio – Bass

Leo Traverse – Bass

Duduka DaFonseca – Drums

Peter Grant – Drums

Waltinho Anastacio – Percussion

Norberto Goldberg – Percussion

Recorded in New York in July of 1993.

I have never heard a bad Gerry Mulligan record, he is the outstanding baritone saxophone player in jazz, his tone on the instrument is unique and if you had never seen a baritone, you would never guess that it is such a large and cumbersome instrument. Probably only the legendary Harry Carney from the Duke Ellington Band had such an immediately identifiable style, but it was of course very different from that of Mulligan.

As well as being the best baritone player of all times, he also played the Soprano sax very well, never sounding like a snake charmer! That however is nowhere near the end to his talents, he is also a very talented composer and arranger. This album consists entirely of his compositions, with the exception of Wave and Amor em Paz.

He sounds very comfortable throughout with the Latin rhythms, which is not surprising, because many of his compositions for his Concert Band were in that genre.

Jane Duboc studied music in both Brazil and the USA and has had hit albums in both Brazil and Portugal. She wrote the words to all of the Gerry Mulligan songs as well as singing them on the album; she has a very pleasing voice in the classic Latin female vocal style.

The support of the other musicians is excellent, whether accompanying the singer or backing Mulligan’s solos, they are just right. Unlike some Latin rhythm sections, they are not overpowering, but always exciting,

The sleeve note gives the lyrics in English for 8 of the 11 tracks; I am not sure why when they are sung in Portuguese! I have wondered before why the lyrics should be printed in sleeve notes, but this is the first time I have seen them in a different language to the performance. This is a very minor point however and should not in any way detract from what is a delightful album from these splendid musicians and a singer with a superb vocal delivery.

A favourite track? Not really they are all excellent, but the version of Wave is as good as I have heard,

Recommended without reservation.

Don Mather

 

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