Themes
Songs
Chronology
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Collection Themes Songs Chronology | |
VIC LEWIS | |
Mulligans Music |
With Love To Gerry |
Vic Lewis - Mulligans Music | |
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| Bernard Allen, Ronnie Barker, Jack Botterall, Lad Busby, Ronnie Chamberlain, Les Condon, Laurie Franklin, Tubby Hayes, Kenny Hollick, Vic Lewis, Dave Loban, Don Riddell, Brian Rogerson, John Watson, Wes Wigfield, Dave Willis, Colin WrightJanuary 13 & 14, 1954 | |
LINER NOTES |
| Gerry MulliganTwenty-six year old, Philadelphia-born Gerry Mulligan began to attract attention as baritone sax and especially, arranger, soon after the end of World War II. In 1946 he composed the popular Disc Jockey Jump for Gene Krupa's orchestra, but it was two years later, with the formation of Miles Davis's short-lived band, that Gerry really made his presence felt in the jazz world. To the Davis library he contributed such scores as Godchild, Jeru and Venus de Milo (all recorded for Capitol by the outfit), and it is generally acknowledged that these little masterpieces sketched the patterns upon which almost all modern jazz writing has been based. Gerry extended his influence still further in 1952, when he formed a quartet of his own, working at The Haig, a small night club just a few miles from Hollywood in California. The foursome at first comprised Mulligan (baritone sax), Chet Baker (trumpet), Bob Whitlock (bass) and Chico Hamilton (drums) - no pianist, you will note - and immediately this was hailed as the most distinctive, musicianly unit to come out of jazz in many a moon! Some months ago, Gerry augmented his four-piecer specially to make the Mulligan Ten-tet L.P. for Capitol, a set which collectors all over the world have been quick to secure. Apart from appearing with his own group, Gerry recently composed and arranged extensively for Stan Kenton's orchestra, and three of the items heard on this Vic Lewis L.P., Walkin' Shoes, Bweebida Bobbida and Limelight (not to be confused with the Charles Chaplin theme, of course), are played from the authentic Mulligan manuscripts, specially presented to Vic by Stan. The remaining titles, first conceived for smaller combinations, have been re-orchestrated in the Mulligan manner by British arranger Johnny Keating. Vic Lewis Born in London on July 29th, 1919, Vic Lewis has long been a man with a mission. Whenever and wherever possible he propagates the creed of Progressive Jazz, as laid down and practised in America by Stan Kenton and his associates. And despite early opposition from conservative-minded folk, both in and outside the profession, Vic's orchestra has now built up a formidable following, both at home and in many countries throughout the world. Before the war, Vic was an ardent Dixieland fan, and during a trip to America in 1938 he played guitar and recorded with such Transatlantic two-beat luminaries as cornettist Bobby Hackett and drummer Zutty Singleton. He served with the R.A.F. during hostilities, and while still in uniform he teamed up with drummer Jack Parnell to form the Vic Lewis-Jack Parnell Jazzmen, a New Orleans-inclined group which reached name-band status. By 1947, however, Vic was a confirmed avant garde specialist and his recently-assembled group of the period strongly featured such Stan Kenton products as Intermission Riff and Artistry in Boogie. Three years after this, Lewis embarked upon his most ambitious venture to date. With a twenty-piece orchestra he toured the concert halls of Great Britain, featuring some of the most advanced works ever conceived in the name of jazz, as a direct parallel to Kenton's concurrent "Innovations" concerts in the States. Vic has subsequently been forced by economic necessity to plough a more commercial furrow most of the time, but plans are afoot for him to stage a long series of "Tribute to Kenton" presentations in 1954. Johnny Keating One of Britain's most talented jazz arrangers, Johnny Keating. formerly rated as an equally distinguished trombonist. But late in 1953 he packed his instrument away for the last time, having decided to concentrate exclusively on his scoring activities. During his career, Johnny has played with such eminent London maestroes as Ted Heath, Geraldo, Ambrose - and, of course, Vic Lewis. He is currently kept busy as staff manager for the Lewis, Johnny Dankworth and Harry Bence orchestras. Keating transcriptions of Gerry Mulligan compositions heard on this L.P. are Sextet, Line for Lyons, Nights at the Turntable, Westwood Walk and Bark for Barksdale. |
| Collection Themes Songs Chronology | |
West Coast All-Stars "With Love To Gerry" | |
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| Ray Brinker, Trey Henry, Christian Jacob, Andy Martin, Bob McChesney, Bob Summers April 24, 2000 | |
LINER NOTES |
I first became aware of Gerry's writing in 1953 when Stan Kenton suggested that he send me a number of scores by Gerry, Shorty Rogers, Bill Russo and Bill Holman. I went into the studios at the end of 1953 and recorded the 10" Album 'Mulligan's Music', using the original arrangements and some by my band's chief arranger, at that time, Johnny Keating. When I saw Gerry in Paris in 1954, I gave him a copy and he was overjoyed but queried one or two tempos. This was Gerry! and the beginning of a wonderful
friendship. We met on many other occasions and often discussed projects of making more records. Once when I brought him to one of my team's cricket matches, we even discussed making a record with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of which I am a principal life guest conductor. Alas this never happened. One of my greatest memories was when he sent Judy Holiday in her car to pick me up and take me to Basin Street East for the premier performance of 'The Concert Jazz Band'. To me, this was
the epitome of how a big band should play jazz. With a small group, I have gone back to some of Gerry's closest associates for this CD. Manny Albam and Bob Brookmeyer have both arranged tunes by Gerry and on his suggestion, Bill Holman arranged tunes that he had previously scored for 'The Concert Jazz Band'.
The only thing missing was you JERU . .. ... With all my love ....Vic
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