Jazz / Cool; West Coast Jazz
Recorded: September 13, 1953, The Lighthouse, Hermosa Beach, California
When this Sunday afternoon get-together was recorded at The Lighthouse in the fall of 1953, young Chet Baker was a household name because of his success with Gerry Mulligan. His group with pianist Russ Freeman was about to become one of the hottest attractions in jazz. That summer they had recorded the quartet dates that included "Isn't It Romantic" and "Maid in Mexico" and were weeks away from the "Happy Little Sunbeam" session and Baker's first vocal recordings. Here, he's one of a group of horn players in a jam session, a situation that discloses a musician's skills along with his uncertainties. In Baker's playing here, both are heard. At his peak, as he often was that day, he is magnificent. On fire with the hot inspiration of Freeman and drummer Max Roach in "Winter Wonderland," his power and originality are stunning.
Loaded, I'll Remember April, Winter Wonderland, Pirouette, Witch Doctor
Includes liner notes by Ed Michel.
Chet Baker - trumpet
Bud Shank - alto & baritone saxophones
Jimmy Giuffre - tenor saxophone
Bob Cooper - tenor saxophone
Rolf Ericson - trumpet
Russ Freeman - piano
Claude Williamson - piano
Howard Rumsey - bass
Max Roach - drums
Shelly Manne - drums |
