Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of cool jazz with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet's "At Storyville," a captivating live album recorded at the legendary Storyville venue in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1956. This reissue, released on October 30, 2013, by Top Tracks, offers a mere 36 minutes of pure musical bliss, showcasing the quartet's mastery of cool jazz, bebop, and hard bop.
The album opens with the lively "Bike up the Strand/Utter Chaos," setting the stage for a journey through jazz history. "That Old Feeling" and "Storyville Story" follow, highlighting the quartet's ability to blend classic tunes with their unique style. The setlist also includes jazz standards like "Open Country," "Baubles, Bangles and Beads," and "Birth of the Blues," each track reimagined with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet's signature sound. The album closes with the playful "Bweebida Bobida," leaving the audience craving more.
Gerry Mulligan, a legendary baritone saxophonist and composer, leads the quartet with his distinctive sound and innovative arrangements. The album features the talents of Gerry Mulligan on baritone saxophone, Bob Brookmeyer on valve trombone, Dave Bailey on drums, and Lonnie Hillyer on alto saxophone. Together, they create a harmonious blend of instruments that is both soothing and exhilarating.
"At Storyville" is not just a collection of songs; it's a historical snapshot of a live jazz performance, capturing the energy and spontaneity of the genre. The remastered sound quality brings the concert to life, making it feel as if you're right there in the audience, experiencing the magic firsthand. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to become a cherished addition to your collection.