Gerry Mulligan

Jazz Soundtracks combines music from two separate films, though Gerry Mulligan served only as a participant and was not the composer for either one. André Previn is the composer and leader for the first dozen tracks on this CD, written for the film The Subterraneans. Ranging from trio arrangements to a jazz big band backed by a string orchestra, Previn's music works well separately from the movie, though none of the selections ever caught on with jazz listeners. In addition to Mulligan, Red Mitchell, pianist Russ Freeman, trombonist Bob Enevoldsen, Shelly Manne, Art Farmer, Buddy Clark, Art Pepper, Bill Perkins and Jack Sheldon also take part, while one selection, the light ballad "Coffee Time," features a vocal by Carmen McRae. The six tracks from I Want to Live!" were written by Johnny Mandel, with

Mulligan leading a septet consisting of Art Farmer, Bud Shank, Frank Rosolino, Pete Jolly, Red Mitchell and Shelly Manne. The brooding, seductive "Theme from I Want to Live!" showcases Mulligan's powerful baritone sax, with Shank's flute in the background. The breezy "Night Watch" sounds like Mulligan himself could have penned it, while the soft but tense "Barbara's Theme" proves equally memorable. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide