GERRY MULLIGAN/THELONIOUS MONK: MULLIGAN MEETS MONK (RIVERSIDE CONTEMPORARY SERIES/CRAFT RECORDINGS) (1957/2025)

A classic no doubt but why another version? Simply put this mono edition has a more equitable division of labour in rectifying the predominance of Mulligan in the stereo mix. The choice of material is ace, ably assisted by an emphatic rhythm section of Wilbur Ware and Shadow Wilson. The duo is equally at home on swing and blues modes with Mulligan's 'Decidedly' and Monk's jazz standards. 'Straight No Chaser' and 'Round Midnight' illustrating the timeless strength of the album.