Gerry Mulligan
Gerry Mulligan
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
---------------------------
Gerald Joseph "Gerry" Mulligan was a renowned American jazz saxophonist, composer, and arranger.
Birth and Death Dates
----------------------
Born: April 6, 1927, in Berlin, New Jersey
Died: January 20, 1996, in Darien, Connecticut
Nationality and Profession(s)
-----------------------------
Mulligan was an American jazz musician, primarily known for his work as a saxophonist and composer.
Early Life and Background
---------------------------
Gerry Mulligan grew up in a musical family. His father, also named Gerry, played the French horn, while his mother sang. Mulligan's early exposure to music had a lasting impact on his career choices. As a child, he began studying piano and later switched to the saxophone.
Major Accomplishments
----------------------
Mulligan was part of several influential jazz groups during his career:
In 1947, he joined the Mel Tormé Nonet as a pianist.
Mulligan co-founded the Jazz Tentet in 1951 with Chubby Jackson and later became a member of Miles Davis' nonet.
His own quartet gained significant popularity during the late 1950s.Notable Works or Actions
-------------------------
Some notable works by Gerry Mulligan include:
"Line for Lyons," which he wrote in collaboration with Art Farmer.
The song "My Funny Valentine" was arranged and recorded by Mulligan's Quartet in 1957.
His work as a composer earned him two Grammy Awards.
Impact and Legacy
------------------
Gerry Mulligan had a profound impact on the development of cool jazz, contributing significantly to its growth. He introduced new harmonies and arrangements that expanded the genre.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
-----------------------------------------
Mulligan's influence extends beyond his music. As a composer, he was known for his innovative use of extended harmonies and counterpoint. This innovation has inspired generations of musicians to explore complex musical structures.
As an arranger, Mulligan brought forward new ways to combine instrumental textures, opening up possibilities in jazz composition. His compositions are still studied today by music students looking to expand their knowledge of the genre.
Gerry Mulligan's unique contributions to cool jazz have solidified his place as one of the most remembered figures in the history of American jazz.
Quotes by Gerry Mulligan
The recording industry has changed; they're enjoying such incredible success in the pop field.
People talk about innovations and evolutions and that kind of thing; I don't understand about that nonsense. It's like, all instruments are there to use all the time.
Now, the instrumentation in the jazz band and the jazz dance band has gone through many evolutions. For instance, in the 'twenties the tradition was two or three saxophones.
The other saxophones, except as solo instruments, really don't have much point in the orchestra.
This life of being a transient human being has gotten to a point when it's very hard to bear.
I’ve always wanted a C trumpet on top, to have that same kind of facility without shouting.
The other saxophones, except as solo instruments, really don’t have much point in the orchestra.
It’s true I’ve always been attracted to the jazz band in an orchestral way, rather than a band way.
When we’ve finished the current tour I’m going to go back to Italy and see if I can do some more writing.