Gerry Mulligan Meets Johnny Hodges cover

Gerry Mulligan Meets Johnny Hodges

Gerry Mulligan · 1960

74 min · 14 tracks · jazz

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Strong interplay and varied tempos create an engaging jazz experience with notable improvisation.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent interplay between Mulligan's baritone saxophone and Hodges' alto saxophone, creating a dialogue that shifts throughout the tracks.
  • Several tracks, such as 'My Funny Valentine' and 'Just in Time', showcase a slow, reflective tempo, while others like 'Back Beat' introduce a more upbeat rhythm.
  • The arrangement often includes extended solos, allowing each musician to explore their improvisational skills within the context of the pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • thoughtful improvisations with playful dialogue
  • soothing melodies for relaxed evenings
  • dynamic contrasts in emotional expression
  • long-form explorations of musical themes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
  • want straightforward structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album features notable collaborations that expanded Mulligan's recognition.
Stylistic neighbors
Chet Baker· Dave Brubeck· Paul Desmond

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Sunny 5:47
  • 2 What's the Rush 3:45
  • 3 Back Beat 7:29
  • 4 What It's All About 4:03
  • 5 18 Carrots for Rabbit 5:16
  • 6 Shady Side 7:05
  • 7 What Is There to Say 4:08
  • 8 Just in Time 4:14
  • 9 News From Blueport 5:07
  • 10 Festive Minor 6:17
  • 11 As Catch Can 3:58
  • 12 My Funny Valentine 4:10
  • 13 Blueport 8:51
  • 14 Utter Chaos 4:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata