• An incredible pressing of this Groundbreaking Jazz Classic, with Shootout Winning Triple Plus (A+++) sound on the first side and Double Plus (A++) on the second
• This vintage mono pressing will show you just how well-recorded these 1949-50 sessions were
• It's the records they made from these tapes (more often from the dubs of them) that have given everybody the wrong idea about these wonderful sounding recordings
• 5 stars: "So dubbed because these three sessions are where the sound known as cool jazz essentially formed, Birth of the Cool remains one of the defining, pivotal moments in jazz. This is where the elasticity of bop was married with skillful, big-band arrangements and a relaxed, subdued mood that made it all seem easy, even at its most intricate."

• This original Verve stereo pressing has KILLER sound throughout with both sides rating a Triple Plus (A++) or close to it
• Both sides here were out of this world -- clean, clear and full-bodied with TONS of Tubey Magic and plenty of extension on both ends
• "With originals by Bob Brookmeyer, Gary McFarland and the baritonist/leader (in addition to the standards "Little Rock Getaway" and "My Kind of Love"), this is a high-quality if rather brief program. Trumpeter Clark Terry and guitarist Jim Hall co-star with Mulligan in the solo department. It is a pity that this orchestra could not prosper; all five of its recordings are worth getting." - All Music

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• This Black Print 360 original stereo pressing from 1962 put every other copy we played to shame; Triple Plus (A+++) or close to it throughout
• Tubier, more transparent, more dynamic, with that "jumpin' out of the speakers' quality that only The Real Thing (an old record) ever has
• Hard to imagine any reissue, vintage or otherwise, can beat the sound of this LP - we sure couldn't find one
• "Jeru flawlessly swings with a relaxed, throbbing, positive life force."

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• Superb nearly Triple Plus (A++ to A+++) sound from start to finish, the "big band" sound here is really jumping out of the speakers
• Huge space, size and clarity, with Tubey Magical richness befitting the 1960 recording dates of these sessions
• "My idea is not so much that we are a big band with a small-band feel, but that we have a big-band feel in the way that a big band ought to be." -- Gerry Mulligan.
• "Mulligan stages a thrilling musical spectacle in which fierce rivalry, song-like harmony and refined counterpoint play the main roles."

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• This Black Print 360 original stereo pressing put most copies we played to shame with wonderful Double Plus (A++) sound on both sides
• Tubier, more transparent, more dynamic, with that "jumpin' out of the speakers' quality that only The Real Thing (an old record) ever has
• Hard to imagine any reissue, vintage or otherwise, can beat the sound of this LP - we sure couldn't find one
• "Jeru flawlessly swings with a relaxed, throbbing, positive life force."

See all of our Gerry Mulligan albums in stock

• An outstanding copy of this Groundbreaking Jazz Classic, with seriously good Double Plus (A++) sound throughout
• This vintage mono pressing will show you just how well-recorded these 1949-50 sessions were
• It's the records they made from these tapes (more often from the dubs of them) that have given everybody the wrong idea about these wonderful sounding recordings
• 5 stars: "So dubbed because these three sessions are where the sound known as cool jazz essentially formed, Birth of the Cool remains one of the defining, pivotal moments in jazz. This is where the elasticity of bop was married with skillful, big-band arrangements and a relaxed, subdued mood that made it all seem easy, even at its most intricate."

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• Excellent Double Plus (A++) sound from start to finish, the "big band" sound here is really jumping out of the speakers
• Clean, clear, full-bodied and lively with Tubey Magical richness befitting the 1960 recording dates of these sessions
• "My idea is not so much that we are a big band with a small-band feel, but that we have a big-band feel in the way that a big band ought to be." -- Gerry Mulligan.
• "Mulligan stages a thrilling musical spectacle in which fierce rivalry, song-like harmony and refined counterpoint play the main roles."

See all of our Gerry Mulligan albums in stock

• This Black Print 360 stereo LP has excellent Double Plus (A++) sound on side two, with a side one that's not far behind it
• Side two earned a Double Plus (A++) grade for its explosive dynamics and rich, full-bodied, Tubey Magical sax sound
• Tubier, more transparent, more dynamic, with that "jumpin' out of the speakers' quality that only The Real Thing ever has
• Hard to imagine any reissue, vintage or otherwise, can hold a candle to the sound of this amazing record
• AMG 5 Stars: "Virtually every selection is memorable... Highly recommended both to Mulligan collectors and to jazz listeners who are just discovering the great baritonist."

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• A superb sounding vintage Living stereo pressing, this one earned Double Plus (A++) grades or BETTER on both sides
• If you're looking to demonstrate just how good 1962 All Tube Analog sound can be, this is the record that can do it
• 4 1/2 Stars: "Desmond and Mulligan always made for a perfect team during their infrequent collaborations. Both of the saxophonists had immediately distinctive light tones, strong wits, and the ability to improvise melodically. ... the interplay between Desmond and Mulligan is consistently delightful."

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• A superb sounding vintage Living stereo pressing, this one earned Double Plus (A++) grades on both sides
• If you're looking to demonstrate just how good 1962 All Tube Analog can sound, this is the record that will do it
• There are serious condition issues on the first track of side one, so the price has been reduced significantly
• 4 1/2 Stars: "Desmond and Mulligan always made for a perfect team during their infrequent collaborations. Both of the saxophonists had immediately distinctive light tones, strong wits, and the ability to improvise melodically. ... the interplay between Desmond and Mulligan is consistently delightful."

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Here are more records we don't think sound very good in MONO.

Here are some titles that have the potential to sound amazing in MONO.

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Both sides of course have somewhat tubby bass, the type that characterizes all tube recordings from the ’50s and ’60s. Side two is a bit more veiled. The midrange is as musical as it is on side one but has less top end and therefore comes across as kind of dull. Musical and involving, but not as lively as it could be.

Supposedly the stereo pressings of this album are full of added echo, which is the reason Steve Hoffman chose to release the mono version of the album on gold CD for DCC back in the day. It’s one of our favorite DCC CDs; Steve did his usual top quality mastering of it.

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