Jazz / West Coast Jazz; Cool
Recorded. Dec 14, 1953-Oct 31, 1956
Chet Baker - Trumpet, Vocals
Art Pepper - Sax (Alto)
Bob Brookmeyer - Trombone (Valve)
Bob Gordon - Sax (Baritone)
Bob Neel - Drums
Bobby Timmons - Piano
Carl Perkins - Piano
Carson Smith - Bass
Curtis Counce - Bass
Harb Galler - Sax (Alto)
Jack Montrose - Arranger, Sax (Tenor)
Jimmy Bond - Bass
Joe Mondragon - Bass
Larance Marable - Drums
Leroy Vinnegar - Bass
Pete Jolly - Piano
Peter Littman - Drums
Phil Urso - Sax (Tenor)
Richie Kamuca - Sax (Tenor)
Russ Freeman - Piano
Shelly Manne - Drums
Stan Levey - Drums
This brilliant trumpeter was one of those rare musicians who functioned on raw talent and pure instinct. Without any formal training, he was able to solo effortlessly over complex harmonic progressions with endless melodic invention. His vocals were hauntingly romantic and delivered with unassuming innocence.
* James Gavin - Liner Notes
* Michael Cuscuna - Compilation Producer
* Richard Bock - Producer
* William Claxton - Photography
The first in Blue Note's Jazz Profile CD series, this sampler features trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker, who never actually recorded for Blue Note; his Pacific Jazz recordings, however, are also owned by Blue Note's parent company EMI. All 11 selections on this set have been reissued on CD; although they are not quite definitive (no "My Funny Valentine" here), there is a great deal of fine music to be heard. Baker is featured in settings ranging from his quartet with Russ Freeman (taking four vocals) to medium-size groups with altoist Herb Geller and tenor/arranger Jack Montrose; plus, there is one appearance apiece for valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, altoist Art Pepper and tenorman Phil Urso. A good introduction to the cool-toned trumpeter in his early days, when he was also considered to be a heartthrob as a singer.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
