Gerry Mulligan was the giant of the baritone saxophone.  The big horn presents a big challenge in the areas of speed, dexterity and grace.  Mulligan was more than equal to the task, whether playing with Miles on Birth of the Cool or leading bands on his own compositions like “Bernie's Tune.” Saxophonist Dave Karr put together a group to recreate the Gerry Mulligan Quartet sound at a Twin Cities Jazz Society Jazz From J to Z concert at the AQ. . Thier tribute CD, Mulligan Stew – Cookin' at the Hot Summer Jazz Festival, features incredible Twin Cities musicians serving up . . . oh, forget the food metaphor, the CD is great.  Dave Karr (baritone sax) is not only brave enough to take on the Mulligan songbook, he has the fluid, lyrical chops to nail it.  With Dave Graf (trombone), Phil Hey (drums), Gary Raynor (bass). 

CHeck out this video from last night: