In Sweden (Jazz & Blues Festival, Stockholm June 13, 1980)

In Sweden (Jazz & Blues Festival, Stockholm June 13, 1980)

Considered one of the few masters of the jazz baritone sax, Gerry Mulligan (1927-1996) became one of the most innovative creators of the cool jazz movement. Apart from his skills as a superlative saxophonist, he also played the piano and was an extraordinary composer and arranger. Evidence of the latter can be found in his inspiring writing for the seminal 1949 Birth of the Cool album by the Miles Davis nonet, where he contributed the three original tunes: "Jeru", "Godchild" and "Venus de Milo". His numerous '50s piano-less quartet recordings with Chet Baker were of equal if not greater importance. He also fronted his own amazing big band in the '60s, known as the "Concert Jazz Band", which featured such outstanding musicians as Zoot Sims, Bob Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli and Mel Lewis. Mulligan recorded with many of the greatest jazz figures, including the likes of Thelonious Monk, Stan Getz, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond. He even made an incredible fusion album with Argentinian bandoneonist and composer Astor Piazzolla. Our DVD showcases Mulligan fronting a jazz quartet in a live performance in Stockholm, Sweden, during the later period of his career. Interestingly enough, all of the tunes performed (with the exception of the beautiful standard "Bernie's Tune") are Gerry's compositions. "Five Brothers" dates back to 1949; "Line for Lyons" was first recorded by Mulligan with Chet Baker in 1952; "Who's Got Rhythm" appeared in a 1959 album by Mulligan with Ben Webster; "Night Lights" dates back to 1963 and "Out Back of the Barn" was from 1976.