The Kinda Cool Quintet plays music in the style of the “Cool School”, a style of jazz in the United States with more complex arrangements, a lighter approach, and more melodic than fiery be-bop. The baritone sax player Gerry Mulligan, trumpeters Chet Baker and Miles Davis, valve trombone player Bob Brookmeyer, and pianist Dave Brubeck and alto sax player Paul Desmond are some of the well known musicians who played in the style. Mulligan was an outstanding baritone sax player, composer and arranger who helped make the style famous.

The Kinda Cool Quintet features Marc Rosen, playing bari sax and doing most of the arrangements. He’s been studying this music, and specifically the music of Gerry Mulligan, for years. Erika May brings her wonderful styling to the flute parts, which provide the counter to the Bari instead of a trumpet, a la Chet Baker or early Miles Davis. Susan Artemis is our fabulous pianist, playing lightly when appropriate and swinging all out when she lets go. Mickey McPhillips covers the bass part, playing an electric stand up bass.