Chet Baker - Chet Is Back

Forty-two years ago, Chet Baker - one of the most tragic figures of jazz who lived in the fast lane and ruined himself with drugs and alcohol - was constantly on the road from one European jazz club to another. Local rhythm groups were not always top notch so it was only logical to pick the very best from several countries for a film-music production in Italy. And it was equally logical that RCA's Italian subsidiary brought the musicians into the studio in January 1962. With one exception, the eight titles on this disc are all so-called standards. The two winds demand total concentration from the rhythm section while maintaining relaxed and laid-back harmonic patterns. And this is something the Italian Tommasi, the Belgian Thomas, the Frenchman Quersin and the Swiss Humair carry off with an air of nonchalance. The two ballads - "These Foolish Things" and the only new composition "Ballata In Forma Di Blues" - are tucked in between the other numbers and give the listener space to breathe. They are surrounded by numbers with a fast tempo, all of which demonstrate Chet Baker's and Bobby Jasper's high standard of musicianship.

1. Well, You Needn’t

2. These Foolish Things

3. Barbados

4. Star Eyes

5. Over The Rainbow

6. Pent Up House

7. Ballata In Forma Di Blues

8. Blues In The Closet

Customer Reviews (4.50 Stars) 2 person(s) rated this product.

You Won't Believe Its Mono posted on 09/04/2019 5 Stars Reviewer: watchnerd The image depth, and left-right soundstage (huh?) on this album, when played with a mono cartridge, is so impressive you'd swear it was not only stereo, but really well-mixed and good stereo, with a natural sense of acoustic space. Combined with swinging, tight performances, this is mellow with being melancholy, upbeat without being frenetic. It feels like a jaunty Sunday drive in the sun.

Chet is Back with RCA posted on 10/13/2012 4 Stars Reviewer: Triodeotl This LP is one of the higher points of Chets career. It has some of his best playing and the backing is very complimentary. One of the hardest to find of the Chet Baker LP's this one is recorded in mono. But do not let that hold you back from getting it. It swings hard right from the beginning. If you like Chet Baker and his playing the sound then this LP is highly recommended. My pressing was flat and noise free with great sound. Hats off to Speakers Corner for reissuing this title. ++++

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