Gerry Mulligan Quartet - Seventeen Mile Drive (LP)

"Seventeen Mile Drive" is a captivating jazz album by the renowned Gerry Mulligan Quartet, released on January 1, 2017, under the Eco Sound label. This 53-minute journey through the realms of cool jazz, bebop, and hard bop showcases the quartet's exceptional musicianship and innovative spirit.

The album opens with "Blueport," setting the stage for a series of tracks that blend intricate melodies with rhythmic complexity. "Love in New Orleans" and "Subterranean Blues" highlight the quartet's ability to infuse traditional jazz with modern sensibilities, while "Spring Is Sprung" offers a lively, upbeat tempo that's sure to delight.

The title track, "Seventeen Mile Drive," is a standout piece, demonstrating the quartet's mastery of improvisation and their knack for creating engaging, dynamic compositions. "Open Country" and "Utter Chaos & Presentation" further showcase the group's versatility, shifting seamlessly between structured and free-form jazz.

The album concludes with "Darn That Dream," a soulful, introspective piece that leaves a lasting impression. Throughout "Seventeen Mile Drive," the Gerry Mulligan Quartet delivers a powerful, engaging performance that highlights their unique sound and enduring influence on the jazz world.