Chet Baker Chet Baker & Strings ( 180g vinyl HQ LP )

Release date: 11-05-2018(originally released in 1954)

2011 UK reissue 180g vinyl HQ LP - Recorded during three sessions in 1953 with Zoot Sims & Jack Montrose on tenor sax, Russ Freeman on piano, Shelly Manne on drums and Clifford 'Bud' Shank on alto sax.

This release offers a unique glimpse of a young Chet Baker in a quintet setting, complemented by a nine-piece string section. Utilizing the uniquely modern arrangements of Johnny Mandel, Marty Paich, Jack Montrose, and Shorty Rogers, this interaction of "West Coast Cool" with primordial elevator music escapes many -- if not indeed all -- of the potential sonic pitfalls such a marriage might suggest.

Tracks:

Chet Baker was one of the representatives of the West Coast Cool Jazz movement whose life and music appeals to the imagination of the people the most. His heroin addiction is well documented, his exploits and misadventures are wrapped in legendary anecdotes. But his life story never managed to overshadow his unmistakable talent.

Chet Baker has one of the most recognizable sounds of all the jazz musicians in the cannon; his trumpet playing is intimate, simple and delicate, with a hint of melancholy that tears at the heartstrings. Chet Baker With Strings was recorded during three sessions in 1953 with Zoot Sims & Jack Montrose on tenor sax, Russ Freeman on piano, Shelly Manne on drums and Clifford 'Bud' Shank on alto sax.

The players are lifted up into the air like a leaf on the breeze by Montrose's delicate string arrangements, while the Baker and Sims interplay on songs like "Loved Walked In" are amongst the best recorded in jazz history.

Chet Baker was one of the representatives of the West Coast Cool Jazz movement whose life and music appeals to the imagination of the people the most. His heroin addiction is well documented, his exploits and misadventures are wrapped in legendary anecdotes. But his life story never managed to overshadow his unmistakable talent.

Chet Baker has one of the most recognizable sounds of all the jazz musicians in the cannon; his trumpet playing is intimate, simple and delicate, with a hint of melancholy that tears at the heartstrings. Chet Baker With Strings was recorded during three sessions in 1953 with Zoot Sims & Jack Montrose on tenor sax, Russ Freeman on piano, Shelly Manne on drums and Clifford 'Bud' Shank on alto sax.

The players are lifted up into the air like a leaf on the breeze by Montrose's delicate string arrangements, while the Baker and Sims interplay on songs like "Loved Walked In" are amongst the best recorded in jazz history.