Plays Gerry Mulligan Arrangements is an unusual
Gene Krupa album from 1958 that was reissued in 2005. Rather than hearing
Krupa play his usual swing hits, this is essentially a revisit to his underrated 1946-1949 boppish big band.
Mulligan revived some of his arrangements from the period ("Disc Jockey Jump" is the most famous chart) and added a few others in the same style.
Krupa has a few drum breaks along the way but otherwise is nearly invisible, as this is more of a
Mulligan than a
Krupa set. The exact soloists are not identified, but trumpeter
Doc Severinsen, trombonist
Urbie Green, and altoist
Phil Woods are among the many who are heard from. The music is cool-toned, lightly swinging, tasteful, and enjoyable. It is a pity, though, that
Mulligan did not bring his baritone along and join in too. ~ Scott Yanow