"Out Back Of The Barn" is a blues composition written by Gerry Mulligan in 1976. Mulligan was a towering figure in cool jazz, renowned as one of the foremost baritone saxophonists in jazz history and a gifted arranger who contributed to Miles Davis's landmark Birth of the Cool sessions.
Set in a medium-slow 12/8 feel, the tune is a bluesy "bump and grind" swinger that showcases the baritone saxophone in all its expressive glory. The piece draws on a classic blues framework while incorporating Mulligan's signature sophistication in its voicings and ensemble writing. Its laid-back groove and earthy character make it a satisfying vehicle for extended soloing, particularly for the often-underrepresented baritone sax.
The original recording appeared on the Gerry Mulligan New Sextet's album Idol Gossip (Chiaroscuro, 1976), featuring Tom Fay on piano, Dave Samuels on vibraphone, George Duvivier on bass, and Bob Rosengarden on drums. A memorable live version was also captured at the Liederhalle in Stuttgart in November 1977, documenting the sextet at the height of its powers.
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