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Full performer name: Gerry Mulligan Quartet/Chet Baker. Personnel: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Chet Baket (trumpet); Bobby Witlock (bass); Chico Hamilton, Larry Bunker (drums). Recorded in 1952-53. The first half of this album has the six rarest studio performances by the Gerry Mulligan quartet, excellent music that does not duplicate the Mosaic box or Mulligan's Prestige output. The quartet with trumpeter Chet Baker sounds at the top of its form on such songs as "Varsity Drag," "Speak Low," "Half Nelson," "Lady Bird," "Love Me or Leave Me," and "Swing House." The second half of this set is not on the same level, finding the Buddy DeFranco quartet of 1953 hampered by the Herman McCoy Swing Choir on six numbers, all of which have "Star" in their title. This budget set leaves off any personnel or date listing but is worth picking up for the Mulligan performances. ~ Scott Yanow