Chet Baker - Chet (1959) [2002 SACD]

Few figures in jazz history have been able to extract as much feeling from a ballad as Chet Baker. Despite his lack of formal training, he was capable of burrowing deep inside the most sophisticated popular songs and tapping a vein of pure emotion. When surrounded by great musicians in an unusual ensemble, as he is on this album, Baker's poetic instincts were at their keenest. The distinctive septet of jazz giants contains a front line of trumpet, flute, and baritone sax playing Herbie Mann's delicate arrangements over a rhythm section that is empathy personified. Baker never recorded with a more talented or sensitive group, as the music evokes a mood captured so seductively in the cover photo.

Tracks:

01. Alone Together
02. How High The Moon
03. It Never Entered My Mind
04. 'Tis Autumn
05. If You Could See Me Now
06. September Song
07. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
08. Time On My Hands (You In My Arms)
09. You and the Night and the Music
10. Early Morning Mood [Bonus track]

Personnel:

CHET BAKER - trumpet
PEPPER ADAMS - baritone saxophone
HERBIE MANN - flute
KENNY BURRELL - guitar
BILL EVANS - piano
PAUL CHAMBERS - bass
CONNIE KAY, PHILLY JOE JONES - drums