Claude Williamson - Mulls The Mulligan Scene

Claude Williamson Mulls The Mulligan Scene merely means making Mulligan's music more pianistic: The word mull can take on many meanings, but in this instance it has to do with the interesting presentation of this collection of successful instrumentals with a group featuring piano, whereas the original recordings of these tunes by Gerry have been unique in that they had no piano in their instrumentation ("Blue at the Roots" is the exception).

To make the conception of these composition more unique, Claude Williamson is actually featured by four hands on two pianos. When the idea for this album first was discussed, the plan was to have Claude play a duet with another pianist. 

However, it was difficult to match the styles of Claude and the various pianists available for the project. Also, rehearsing and arranging with two busy men made it apparent that there would have to be another approach. Finally, it was decided that Claude would actually play the four hands by the simple process of playing on a second track over the original one.

*Claude Williamson (liner notes)*

What makes this 1958 album clever is Williamson plays piano on two tracks, giving the impression of two pianists. What makes the arrangements ironic is all of the tracks are Gerry Mulligan compositions, and they were originally recorded by Mulligan without a piano. 

As you listen to the sound samples it's no surprise that the sound is rich. Not only does Williamson play a second track of piano, but Howard Roberts' guitar adds even more depth to ensemble. Red Mitchell on bass and Stan Levey on drums round out the rhythm section. I am a big fan of both Mitchell and Levey, and Levey in particular is one of my personal inspirations.

This album was originally recorded for Criterion Records in Los Angeles in 1958. Fresh Sounds has done a remarkable job of remastering, and to be honest, for digging it out of obscurity and making it once again available.

If you are a Claude Williamson fan this is a wonderful album to add to your library. If you are also a Gerry Mulligan fan the song list is going to grab you, but the music is going to grab you even more. *Mike Tarrani*

1 - Walkin Shoes

2 - Limelight

3 - Westwood Walk

4 - A Ballad

5 - Utter Chaos

6 - Bark For Barksdale

7 - Simbah

8 - Blue At The Roots

9 - Apple Core

10 - Line For Lyons

11 - Ontet

(All compositions by Gerry Mulligan)

Claude Williamson (piano), Howards Roberts (guitar), Red Mitchell (bass), Stan Levey (drums).

Recorded at Radio Recorders, Studio B, Los Angeles, California, 1958