Post by KittyKat - RIP Luciano on May 13, 2003 11:16:18 GMT -5
I've decided to start 2 threads about my favorite jazz musicians. This first one is dedicated to Chet Baker.
Not only was he an amazing trumpet player, he had an awesome and unique singing voice that always sounds a little heartbreaking to me.
Many of you may be familiar with his version of "My Funny Valentine" which is a classic in both the vocal and instrumental versions. It's been used in movies a bunch and even Matt Damon's character in The Talented Mr. Ripley imitates Chet's fragile and distinctive voice.
Whether you check out his instrumental work or his vocal tracks, I strongly recommend that everyone get to know Chet Baker.
My fave albums from this master:
My Funny Valentine - a classic from the famous cover photo of Chet and his first wife to the last note in the haunting song "I Fall In Love Too Easily", a pure gem.
The Italian Sessions - for those interested in a non-vocal collection this is a great one. More meaty and up-tempo than a lot of his more romantic collections, this is a keeper.
Chet Baker Sings - MUCH better than The Best of Chet Baker Sings which isn't as good a song collection. Recorded in various sessions with Russ Freeman's band in 1954 and 1956. Never fear, there's still a lot of trumpet here. I dare you to listen to "But Not For Me" and not tear up a little.
Chet - Another all instrumental classic. This time it's all ballads baby! Definitely one of the most romantic albums ever recorded. You'll melt people!
She Was Too Good To Me - A very rare album but one of my faves. I discovered this in a small record shop on the California coast near Carmel about 10 years ago. It was like the third CD that I ever purchased and I still play it all the time. A mixture of vocal and instrumental tracks.
Okay guys, I know that was a long list but I wanted to show my love of this artist. I own probably 15 Chet Baker cds and they're all outstanding.
Not only was he an amazing trumpet player, he had an awesome and unique singing voice that always sounds a little heartbreaking to me.
Many of you may be familiar with his version of "My Funny Valentine" which is a classic in both the vocal and instrumental versions. It's been used in movies a bunch and even Matt Damon's character in The Talented Mr. Ripley imitates Chet's fragile and distinctive voice.
Whether you check out his instrumental work or his vocal tracks, I strongly recommend that everyone get to know Chet Baker.
My fave albums from this master:
My Funny Valentine - a classic from the famous cover photo of Chet and his first wife to the last note in the haunting song "I Fall In Love Too Easily", a pure gem.
The Italian Sessions - for those interested in a non-vocal collection this is a great one. More meaty and up-tempo than a lot of his more romantic collections, this is a keeper.
Chet Baker Sings - MUCH better than The Best of Chet Baker Sings which isn't as good a song collection. Recorded in various sessions with Russ Freeman's band in 1954 and 1956. Never fear, there's still a lot of trumpet here. I dare you to listen to "But Not For Me" and not tear up a little.
Chet - Another all instrumental classic. This time it's all ballads baby! Definitely one of the most romantic albums ever recorded. You'll melt people!
She Was Too Good To Me - A very rare album but one of my faves. I discovered this in a small record shop on the California coast near Carmel about 10 years ago. It was like the third CD that I ever purchased and I still play it all the time. A mixture of vocal and instrumental tracks.
Okay guys, I know that was a long list but I wanted to show my love of this artist. I own probably 15 Chet Baker cds and they're all outstanding.
It's a great CD.