| Abstract |
"The book places Gerry Mulligan's 1950s pianoless quartet in its historical and musical context by a detailed discussion of its recordings. Mulligan's early arrangements from his teens are explored, for bandleaders Elliot Lawrence and Gene Krupa, before he joins Miles Davis's 'Birth of the Cool' nonet. Moving to the West Coast he arranges for Stan Kenton, and then forms his pianoless quartet at the Haig Club in L.A. with trumpeter Chet Baker and they experience commercial success, helping to found the Pacific Jazz label, before Mulligan is imprisoned for Heroin offences. The group's records create a template for his subsequent small group work during the rest of the decade and its harmonic innovation is explored. Mulligan's re-working of his compositions for bands of ten and six pieces is also examined, as is his first tour to Europe. His tempestuous relationship with valve-trombonist Bob Brookmeyer is discussed, as is his marriage to Arlene Mulligan who became his manager. The later quartets with Jon Eardley and Art Farmer are covered, as well as a successful couple of reunions with Brookmeyer, the final one in the context of the Mulligan Concert Jazz Band at the dawn of the 1960s"-- Provided by publisher. |
