Gerry Mulligan Quartet "Gerry Mulligan Quartet" 1952

Baritonist Gerry Mulligan's pianoless quartet of 1952-1953 with trumpeter Chet Baker was one of the most popular groups of the period and an influential force on West Coast Jazz. Mulligan's interplay with Baker looked back toward the collective improvisation of Dixieland but utilized up-to-date harmonies. Despite both musicians remaining active for over 30 years, Mulligan and Baker only teamed up again on one occasion, for a 1970s Carnegie Hall concert released by CTI. The consistently delightful music on this box (much of which is classic) is highly recommended for all jazz collections. - AllMusicThe Gerry Mulligan Quartet was not only a groundbreaking pianoless group, featuring baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and trumpeter Chet Baker with a bassist and drummer, but the band also helped to launch Dick Bock's Pacific Jazz label. The 19 tracks on this reissue collect the first five studio sessions of the group for the label plus four live tracks recorded at the Haig, a tiny West Coast nightclub where they catapulted to fame. Their unique approach to music came to be labeled as "cool" or West Coast jazz, relying on intricate improvisations, with Mulligan's inventive, lyrical baritone being well complemented by Baker, an unschooled player who possessed a gift for playing by ear. Bassists Bobby Whitlock and Carson Smith, along with drummers Chico Hamilton or Larry Bunker, round out the group. There are numerous highlights within this volume, though Mulligan's loping "Walking Shoes" (which he returned to throughout the remaining four-plus decades of his career), along with the group's peppy rendition of "Bernie's Tune," are particularly noteworthy. Like earlier editions of these sessions, this 2002 CD reissue did not remain in print very long and has already turned into a high-priced collectible. No matter which edition of this music is sought, it is well worth acquiring. - AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden

The Quartet:
Chet Baker: trumpet / Gerry Mulligan: Bariton Sax / Bob Whitlock: Bass / Chico Hammilton: Drums

trax:
01 Bernie's Tune 02 Walkin' Shoes 03 Nights At The Turntable 04 Lullaby Of The Leaves 05 Frenesi 06 Freeway 07 Soft Shoe 08 Aren't You Glad You're You 09 I May Be Wrong 10 I'm Beginning To See The Light 11 The Nearness Of You 12 Tea For Two 13 Utter Caos #1 14 Love Me Or Leave Me 15 Jeru 16 Darn That Dream 17 Swing House 18 Utter Caos #2
ripped from CD in glorious monoloudarama!

This music is dedicated to the tradition of Johnny Diego's Rock 'n' Roll Free Sunday!