Chet Baker

This is not just another Chet Baker album. These two CDs contain, for the first time in one set, all the recordings he made with his quintet—the “crew”—under Dick Bock’s direction at the Los Angeles Forum Theatre in July 1956. On these sessions Chet plays throughout with even greater warmth, virility and maturity of conception than on previous recordings, but with the lyricism that was his forte intact. Urso’s earthy, strongly swinging tenor, out of the “brothers” school, also raises the ante. In the rhythm section Bobby Timmons, who adds a powerful solo voice on piano, is buoyantly funky, while Jimmy Bond and Peter Littman complete a grooving, effectively driving unit behind the soloists.

Tracklisting:

CD1:

1. Tabu 5:39
2. Halema 3:52
3. To Mickey’s Memory 5:14
4. Down 6:12
5. I Can’t Get Started 3:07
6. Revelation 3:58
7. Lucius Lou 5:35
8. Worryin’ The Life Out Of Me 2:59
9. Something For Liza 4:05
10. Medium Rock 5:30
11. Pawnee Junction 4:01

CD2:

1. Extra Mild 5:17
2. Chippyin’ 3:20
3. It’s Only A Paper Moon 4:45
4. Music To Dance By 4:35
5. Autumn In New York 2:08
6. A Night On Bop Mountain 4:18
7. Slightly Above Moderate 6:59
8. Jumpin’ Off A Clef 4:56
9. Line For Lyons 2:58
10. Mickey’s Memory Aternate 5:24

Chet Baker (tp), Phil Urso (ts), Bobby Timmons (p), Jimmy Bond (b), Peter Littman (d).
Note: Bill Loughbrough, chromatic tympani added on CD 1 #3 & 11; CD 2 #6 & 10; Chet Baker, vocals ob CD 2 # 9

Recorded Forum Theatre, Los Angeles,July 24,25 & 31, 1956.