Gerry Mulligan And The Concert Village Vanguard 1961 V8396

Gerry Mulligan And The Concert Village Vanguard 1961 V8396

Cover: G (has seam split)
Inner Sleeve:
Record: VG
V8396
We conservatively grade our records.

Gerry Mulligan – At the Village Vanguard (1961, Original Verve V-8396) captures an iconic live performance by baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan at New York’s legendary jazz venue, the Village Vanguard. Known for his pioneering work in cool jazz, Mulligan’s quartet delivers an intimate and relaxed set that showcases his warm, fluid saxophone tone. This album features engaging interplay between Mulligan and his band, including Bob Brookmeyer on valve trombone, Bill Crow on bass, and Gus Johnson on drums.

Overview:

• Title: At the Village Vanguard
• Artist: Gerry Mulligan
• Release Date: 1961
• Label: Verve Records (Catalog #: V-8396)
• Genre: Cool Jazz, West Coast Jazz

Notable Tracks:

1. "My Funny Valentine" – A standout track, where Mulligan’s melodic phrasing brings a fresh, introspective take to the jazz standard.
2. "Utter Chaos" – Known for its lively interaction between band members, this track highlights Mulligan's interplay with Brookmeyer and offers a taste of the quartet’s improvisational synergy.

Album Significance:

At the Village Vanguard is celebrated as one of Mulligan’s most compelling live recordings. His baritone sax work here is rich and expressive, capturing the nuanced sound that made him a central figure in cool jazz. The quartet’s chemistry, combined with the intimate acoustics of the Village Vanguard, creates a unique live recording with a relaxed yet intricate sound.

Collectability:

The 1961 Verve first pressing (V-8396) is a highly collectible piece for jazz enthusiasts and fans of live recordings, especially those interested in cool jazz and Gerry Mulligan’s influence on the genre. Known for its warmth and authenticity, this album preserves the ambiance and magic of the Village Vanguard experience.

At the Village Vanguard is a must-have for collectors seeking a genuine cool jazz classic and for anyone who appreciates Gerry Mulligan’s distinctive, pioneering style.

Record grading:

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way, likely never played, and still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear and looks as if it was just opened. No visible marks or scratches.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of use, such as light scuffs or very minor scratches, but plays without any major deterioration in sound quality.

• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear with some surface noise, light scratches, or groove wear, but still plays through without skipping.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The record plays but with significant surface noise, scratches, and wear. The cover may have visible damage or splits.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The record may be damaged and is barely playable. Typically used only for highly collectible records.

Cover grading: 

• Mint (M): The cover is flawless, with no signs of wear. Often still sealed with no corner dings, creases, or ring wear.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover looks almost new, with only the slightest signs of handling. There may be very minimal wear, but no significant flaws like writing, splits, or tears.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as minor scuffing, small corner creases, or slight ring wear. No major damage, but a well-cared-for album with minor imperfections.

• Very Good (VG): Moderate wear is visible, including ring wear, light edge or corner damage, small seam splits, or slight discoloration. Still presentable but clearly used.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The cover shows significant wear, such as noticeable ring wear, seam splits, heavy creasing, or writing. It may still hold together but looks heavily worn.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The cover is heavily damaged, with major seam splits, tears, extensive writing, water damage, or severe ring wear. It may barely hold together or be incomplete.