Chet Baker - The Definitive Chet Baker

This fine sampler has music from most of the periods of trumpeter Chet Baker's career, programmed in chronological order. Baker is heard with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet ("Freeway"), leading his own quartet with pianist Russ Freeman (including "My Funny Valentine"), and on selections from 1964, 1965, 1977, and 1983 ("Stella By Starlight" with Stan Getz). Although far from complete, this CD does give listeners a good glimpse at Baker's playing and singing (he takes vocals on eight of the 13 numbers) and does not shy away from his underrated late-period work. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Name Credits Alan Ross Reeds Bill Roberts Design Coordinator Bob Brookmeyer Trombone (Valve) Bob James Piano Bob Neel Drums Bobby Scott Producer, Arranger, Piano Bryan Koniarz Production Supervisor, Photo Research Bud Shank Sax (Baritone) Burton Yount Photo Research Carole Reiff Cover Photo Carson Smith Drums, Bass Cees Schrama Producer Charlie Rice Drums Chet Baker Flugelhorn, Trumpet, Vocals Chico Hamilton Drums Connie Kay Drums Daniel Zaccagnino Production Assistant Don Sebesky Producer Doug Ramsey Liner Notes Everett Barksdale Guitar Gene Bertoncini Guitar George Mraz Bass Gerry Mulligan Sax (Baritone) Gordon Jee Creative Director Hank Jones Piano Henry Freeman Reeds Hollis King Creative Director Jack Montrose Arranger Jennifer Ditsler Copy Editing Jim McNeely Piano Jimmy Bond Bass Ken Druker Executive Producer Kenny Barron Piano (Electric) Kenny Burrell Guitar Kurt Lundvall Mastering Larry Bunker Drums Léon Cohen Reeds Leroy Vinnegar Bass Luchi de Jesus Producer Mantis Evar Production Supervisor Mark Smith Production Assistant Michael Cuscuna Executive Producer Michael Fleming Bass Peter Littman Drums Richard Bock Producer Richard Davis Bass Richard Seidel Executive Producer Ron Carter Bass Russ Freeman Piano Seldon Powell Reeds Shelly Manne Drums Sherniece Smith Design Coordinator Stan Getz Sax (Tenor) Tom Evered Executive Producer, Sequencing, Selection Tony Williams Drums Victor Lewis Drums Wilford Holcombe Reeds