In 1946 Gerry moved to New York and became an arranger for Gene Krupa's Orchestra. He rarely played with the orchestra and only on alto sax, not baritone which he became famous for after recording on Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool" album. His speed and agility on the baritone sax gave him a reputation as a great improviser. Across his long, successful career he easily adapted to many styles, recording with Chet Baker, Monk, Dave Brubeck, Ben Webster and Duke Ellington.