How to listen to Chet Baker?

There is no set way to become addicted to the wonderful sounds produced by Chet. His trumpet playing is very unique: each note sounds distinct from one another. Chet's not the greatest composer in jazz history (for he wrote only two songs), but his improvisation skills are breathtaking. For example, in "Silent Nights," Chet's only Christmas album, none of the traditional songs sound like Christmas songs under Chet's interpretation. The album sounds just like another emotional Chet Baker album. Many people claim that Chet's got his influence from Miles Davis. I think that's bullshit! Chet's playing is so different from Miles - Miles is more adventurous and his skills are certainly more refined. Chet's trumpet, on the other hand, is more straight, but has a more crystal clear and less risky sound than Miles. They each have a unique style and though Chet's listens to Miles a lot, Chet's certainly Chet himself. And they both comment on Wynton Marsalis: "The kid's got the technique. He's got no soul." I agree.

But what most fascinates me, though, is Chet's singing. Ornette Coleman says, "Is there anyone in this world who couldn't sing but could move you in a profound way?" Matt Damon in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" when he impersonates Chet's "My Funny Valentine": "I don't know if this is a man or a woman singing." Chet's voice is so mysterious you will cry if you draw yourself into experiencing his tragic life. His voice has so much emotion, sentimentality and humanity. If you dig deeper into it, his voice speaks to you as if to say: Life sucks, but there are moments where romantic things occur and those are the best moments that one should treasure. Best of Chet Baker Sings is really a fine starting point to appreciate Chet's vocals. In that album, many songs capture that "old-fashioned" touch of Chet's, like "I Fall in Love Too Easily," "That Old Feeling," "Like Someone In Love." In other albums: "Isn't It Romantic," "I Wish You Love," etc. Pianist Russ Freeman says, "I'm not too crazy about Chet's singing." I disagree. I believe Chet's vocals have much too much to convey-his voice sounds like a trumpet. Though Chet's a posterboy of West Coast jazz, I would not feel awkward to feel the Chet Baker mood in New York or even Europe. In fact, I got my Chet Baker blues in Paris at a cafe when I was surrounded by beautiful French women, and that answers one of Chet's regular repertoirs, "Isn't It Romantic?" The answer is in the affirmative.

Click on images for detailed CD info and exclusive audio samples.

Gerry Mulligan Quarter with Chet Baker (1952-57)	Out of Nowhere (1954)	Best of Chet Baker Sings (1953-56)
Chet Baker Quartet with Russ Freeman (1953-56)	Chet Baker in Paris: The Barclay Sessions (1955-56)	The James Dean Story (1956)
It Could Happen To You (1958)	Plays Lerner & Loewe (1959)	Baby Breeze (1964)
Baker's Holiday (1965)	You Can't Go Home Again (1977)	No Problem (1979)
Quintessence 2 (1983)	Silent Nights (1986)	Let's Get Lost (1987)