Tag: Chet Baker

Title: Chet Baker – Supreme Jazz (2006)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Chesney Henry “Chet” Baker Jr. was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist. Baker earned much attention and critical praise through the 1950s, particularly for albums featuring his vocals (Chet Baker Sings, It Could Happen to You). Jazz historian Dave Gelly described the promise of Baker’s early career as “James Dean, Sinatra, and Bix, rolled into one”. His well-publicized drug habit also drove his notoriety and fame. Baker was in and out of jail frequently before enjoying a career resurgence in the late 1970s and ’80s.

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Title: Chet Baker – Chet Baker In New York (1958) [Reissue 2004]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Chet Baker’s West Coast cool comes to the Big Apple on Chet Baker in New York. The project would be Baker’s first — in a four album deal — with the Big Apple-based Riverside Records. The bicoastal artist incorporates his decidedly undernourished sound and laid-back phrasing into the styling of Al Haig (piano), Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). The results are uniformly brilliant as Baker’s cool-toned solos fly and bop with authority around the equally impressive supporting soloists. Conversely, the same cohesive unity continues on the introspective numbers that are more akin to Baker’s California cool. Undoubtedly one of the charms of this collection is the distinct choice of material. Running the gamut from the relaxed and soothing “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” and equally serene “Blue Thoughts” at one end of the spectrum to the percolating and driving intensity of “Hotel 49″ on the other. This track features each quintet member taking extended solos corralling together at the head and again at the coda for some intense bop interaction. Especially ferocious is Philly Joe Jones, who could easily be mistaken for Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, or even Gene Krupa with his cacophonous solo that never strays from the beat or loses its sense of swing. Perhaps the best meshing of styles can be heard on the Miles Davis composition “Solar.” This “best-of” candidate refers to both Chambers’ and Jones’ concurrent involvement with Davis. The churning backbeat likewise propels the melody and ultimately the performers into reaching beyond their individual expertise and into an area of mutual brilliance. Chet Baker in New York is a highly recommended entry into Baker’s catalog. It should also be noted that these same sides were issued in 1967 as Polka Dots and Moonbeams on the Jazzland label.

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Title: Chet Baker – Chet (1959) [Analogue Productions’ Remaster 2002]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Few figures in jazz history have been able to extract as much feeling from a ballad as Chet Baker. Despite his lack of formal training, he was capable of burrowing deep inside the most sophisticated popular songs and tapping a vein of pure emotion. When surrounded by great musicians in an unusual ensemble, as he is on this album, Baker’s poetic instincts were at their keenest. The distinctive septet of jazz giants contains a front line of trumpet, flute, and baritone sax playing Herbie Mann’s delicate arrangements over a rhythm section that is empathy personified. Baker never recorded with a more talented or sensitive group, as the music evokes a mood captured so seductively in the cover photo.

Chet Baker’s penultimate session for Riverside — which was strictly instrumental — produced an all-star lineup to support him, including jazz heavyweights Pepper Adams, Bill Evans, and Kenny Burrell. Each of them makes important contributions to the session. Adams’ baritone sax solo on “Alone Together” is one of the album’s high points, while Herbie Mann and Bill Evans make their presence known on several cuts. Baker possessed one of the most melodious trumpets in jazz, compelling in its simplicity. Rarely extending his range above a single octave, he nonetheless had few peers when it came to slow, romantic ballads, which make up the playlist here. His characteristically soft approach is heard to good effect on “It Never Entered My Mind,” where he works with the guitar of Kenny Burrell. Burrell and Baker also collaborate on a moving rendition of “September Song.” Chet is a good place to hear Baker’s special way with the horn, and is made even more attractive with the presence and contributions of top jazz artists.

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Title: Chet Baker – Baker’s Holiday (1965) [Verve’s Reissue 2004]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Baker’s Holiday finds Chet Baker effectively paying tribute to Billie Holiday with mellow trumpet solos and occasional vocals. Baker is backed by a full sax section and a four-piece rhythm section that includes pianist Hank Jones; Jimmy Mundy contributed the colorful arrangements. His performance of ten songs associated with Lady Day (most of which he had not recorded previously) is often exquisite.

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