Gerry Mulligan - Modern Sounds (2008)

Mention the style “cool jazz” to a music fan and most likely their first thought will be of Chet Baker or Dave Brubeck. All well and good, but there was a cat who came before them who actually laid the groundwork for the style. That was Gerry Mulligan, the baritone saxophonist, arranger, and composer whose original piano-less quartet introduced Baker to the world, and who was also present at the early Miles Davis BIRTH OF THE COOL sessions. Mulligan's baritone playing itself featured a big, burly sound that managed to be dexterous and supple too. On this '50s-era reissue, MODERN SOUNDS, Mulligan leads his larger group Ten-Tette through sharp, witty arrangements and relaxed swing (credit drummer Chico Hamilton), along with concise solos (Baker, Bud Shank) and timeless cool. -- Mark Keresman