Chet Baker - Chet

Chet Baker's 1959 (reissued in 1987) release, CHET, is a romantic yet melancholy collection of mostly ballads. Baker doesn't sing here, but his highly emotive and lyrical trumpet playing makes this album more than compelling. Most importantly, this is one of the few recording sessions where he was accompanied by the legendary pianist, Bill Evans. Evans and Baker's approaches to jazz were uniquely individual, yet they both imbued their musical vocabulary with a high degree of pathos; they also shared a great love for soft, delicate ballads.

On "Alone Together" and "If You Could See Me Now," Evans plays a subtle yet penetrating piano introduction, and Baker enters with his distinctly rich and breathy tone. Truly a great musical pair, Baker and Evans lead an all-star band in what can only be characterized as relaxed but reflective jazz. A merging of East and West Coast cool jazz styles, CHET is an album that emphasizes instrumental restraint, yet deep musical tenderness.


Track Listing
1.Alone Together
2.How High The Moon
3.It Never Entered My Mind
4.Tis Autumn
5.If You Could See Me Now
6.September Song
7.You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
8.Time On My Hands (You In My Arms)
9.You And The Night And The Music
10.Early Morning Mood - (bonus track)

Download HERE