Gerry Mulligan (b. 1927, d. 1996)
is probably the most famous
baritone saxophone player of all time. He characterizes,
is the
epitome of
West Coast Cool, the style of
jazz born in
California in the 1950's. Still he was
an able soloist in
any jazz genre.
Mulligan was also an able composer and arranger.
His early work was with Stan Kenton's Orchestra
and after some small group work, he returned to the
Big Band setting, working with the help of Bob Brookmeyer in forming the Concert Jazz Band
(1960-1964).
His famous partners include Chet Baker with whom
he shared the first pianoless quartet, Dave Brubeck,
and Paul Desmond.
He died in 1996 from complications during a knee
operation. Doesn't that just suck?