Chet Baker (1929-1988) is often referred to as “the James Dean of Jazz.” The iconic trumpeter and singer of the West Coast cool school left a profound mark on the genre during his 40-year career. Celebrated both for his music and his looks (enhanced in his early years by William Claxton’s superb photographs), his life and career were marred by his addiction to drugs, as seen in the recent film Born to Be Blue (2015), starring Ethan Hawke in the role of Chet.

Gatefold editions with photos by William Claxton.

Includes three complete masterpieces by the Prince of Cool:Chet Baker Sings (containing “My Funny Valentine”), Chet in New York, and Jazz at Ann Arbor.

Chet Baker Sings.

Chet Baker was celebrated both as a trumpet player and as a singer. Both his trumpet and voice seem to be extensions of the same musical personality, and once you’ve become familiar with both facets of Baker, you expect to hear them both. This album was a revelation at the time and won Baker new fame and a new audience, which was less familiar with jazz than with pop music. Among many other highlights, it includes his classic vocal version of “My Funny Valentine”.

Chet Baker in New York.

Although Chet Baker has become best known for his highly lyrical and introspective style (with respect to both his singing and horn playing), his sound could also be “forceful” in the style associated with East Coast jazz. This set finds him in the company of wonderful East Coast musicians, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin, pianist Al Haig (best known for his work with Charlie Parker), and two members of the classic Miles Davis Quintet: bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones.

Jazz at Ann Abor.

The May 9, 1954 concert at Ann Arbor took place at the Masonic Temple in downtown Ann Arbor. The Michigan Daily’s Sunday edition included an article by a local jazz writer, who promoted the concert mentioning Baker’s sudden rise to fame and unprecedented achievement of winning both the Down Beat and Metronome Poll Awards in the same year. Chet is the only horn here, playing with his wonderful quartet, which also included Russ Freeman on piano, Carson Smith on bass, and Bob Neel on drums.

• - 1 -

  • 1. That Old Feeling 3:01
  • 2. It's Always You 3:32
  • 3. Like Someone In Love 2:23
  • 4. My Ideal 4:23
  • 5. I've Never Been In Love Before 4:26
  • 6. My Buddy 3:17
  • 7. But Not For Me 3:01
  • 8. Time After Time 2:43
  • 9. I Get Along Without You Very Well 2:56
  • 10. My Funny Valentine 2:18
  • 11. There Will Never Be Another You 2:57
  • 12. The Thrill is Gone 2:49
  • 13. I Fall In Love Too Easily 3:18
  • 14. Look For the Silver Lining 2:38

• - 2 -

  • 1. Fair Weather 6:56
  • 2. Hotel 49 9:52
  • 3. Polka Dots and Moonbeams 7:57
  • 4. My Funny Valentine 2:18 (Bonus Track)
  • 5. Solar 5:51
  • 6. Blue Thoughts 7:37
  • 7. When Lights Are Low 6:54
  • 8. Soft Winds 6:29

• - 3 -

  • 1. Announcement 0:18
  • 2. Line For Lyons 7:16
  • 3. Lover Man 6:06
  • 4. My Funny Valentine 5:26
  • 5. Maid In Mexico 5:11
  • 6. Stella By Starlight 4:33
  • 7. My Old Flame 6:04
  • 8. Headline 5:06
  • 9. Russ Job 6:18