The Gerry Mulligan Songbook

Critical reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow stated "this was one of the rarer Gerry Mulligan albums. The original program consisted of seven Mulligan compositions played by a five-sax octet (including the leader on baritone, altoist Lee (Konitz), Allen Eager and Zoot Sims doubling on tenor and alto, Al Cohn on tenor and baritone and a rhythm section consisting of guitarist Freddie Green, bassist Henry Grimes, and drummer Dave Bailey). The session has a few surprise touches, giving listeners the rare opportunity to hear Eager and Sims soloing on alto and Cohn doubling on baritone... Highly recommended for Gerry Mulligan fans".

Track listing

All compositions by Gerry Mulligan except as indicated

1. "Four and One Moore" – 4:23
2. "Crazy Day" – 7:05
3. "Turnstile" – 7:53
4. "Sextet" – 4:18
5. "Disc Jockey Jump" – 4:35
6. "Venus de Milo" – 5:08
7. "Revelation" – 5:01
8. "Mayreh" (Horace Silver) – 6:02 Bonus track on CD reissue
9. "The Preacher" (Silver) – 6:25 Bonus track on CD reissue
10. "Good Bait" (Count Basie, Tadd Dameron) – 4:39 Bonus track on CD reissue
11. "Bags' Groove" (Milt Jackson) – 3:55 Bonus track on CD reissue

Personnel