Chet Baker

“At his peak, Chet Baker’s playing and singing were original, compelling, and unforgettable; his voice had an innocent, intriguing quality and surprising range, while his trumpet work was as striking and melodically stunning as anyone who’s ever worked predominantly in the middle register. These cuts were done as Baker turned heads on both coasts. They’re presented here in vivid sonic clarity and quality, a reminder of Chet Baker’s genuine greatness.” (Ron Wynn, All Music Guide)

PERSONNEL:

CHET BAKER, trumpet & vocals
With:

A1, A6 & B7: Russ Freeman (p), Carson Smith (b), Bob Neel (d).
Los Angeles, February 15, 1954.

A2 & A4: Bud Shank (fl), Russ Freeman (p), Red Mitchell (b), Bob Neel (d),
plus string section including Corky Hale (harp), Ed Lustgarten, Ray Kramer,
Eleanor Slatkin, Kurt Reher (cello).
Los Angeles, February 28, 1955.

A3: Herb Geller (as & ts), Jack Montrose (ts, arr), Bud Freeman (p)Joe Mondragon (b),
Shelly Manne (d). Los Angeles, December 22, 1953.

A5: Bob Brookmeyer (v-tb), Bud Shank (bar), Russ Freeman (p),
Carson Smith (b), Shelly Manne (d).
Los Angeles, September 15, 1954.

A7: Pete Jolly (p), Leroy Vinnegar (b), Stan Levey (d).
Los Angeles, July 26, 1956.

B1 & B5: Russ Freeman (p), Jimmy Bond (b), Peter Littman (d).
Forum Theatre, Los Angeles, July 23, 1956.

B2: Russ Freeman (p), Carson Smith (b), Bob Neel (d).
Los Angeles, March 7, 1955.

B3: Russ Freeman (p), Carson Smith (b), Larry Bunker (d).
Los Angeles, October 3, 1953.

B4: Russ Freeman (p), Jimmy Bond (b), Lawrence Marable (d).
Los Angeles, July 30, 1956.

B6: Russ Freeman (p), Red Mitchell or Bob Whitlock (b), Bobby White (d).
Los Angeles, July 24 or 27, 1954.

SIDE A:

01. IT’S ALWAYS YOU
02. LET’S GET LOST
03. MOON LOVE
04. LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE
05. I’VE NEVER BEEN IN LOVE BEFORE
06. ISN’T IT ROMANTIC?
07. I FALL IN LOVE TOO EASILY

SIDE B:

01. IT’S ALWAYS YOU
02. LET’S GET LOST
03. MOON LOVE
04. LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE
05. I’VE NEVER BEEN IN LOVE BEFORE
06. ISN’T IT ROMANTIC?
07. I FALL IN LOVE TOO EASILY