Originally released on Pacific Jazz in 1963, and then reissued as part of the Jazz Milestones Series by World Pacific Jazz in 1968, these are all recordings from 1952-1956. The first side includes Gerry Mulligan, whereas side 2 is Chet Baker with later incarnations of Baker’s bands.

Recorded at Gold Star Studios, Radio Recorders, The Haig, and The Tiffany Club – the inside gatefold gives dates, locations, and performers for each track. The version of “My Funny Valentine,” not previously released (until the 1963 issue of this LP) was recorded at The Haig on May 20, 1953, just before Baker and Mulligan “parted company.”

This is perhaps my favorite era of jazz – between Mulligan, Baker, Bill Evans, and The Oscar Peterson Trio, the 50s and early 60s.

In my collection via a record fair (Worcester Record Riot)