EMI's Sings & Plays the Standards is a compilation of some of trumpeter/vocalist
Chet Baker's work from the '50s and early '60s. The tracks from this early part of his career -- largely considered his heyday -- are for the most part stellar and you cannot go wrong with most compilations that draw on this material. This British collection is no exception, and features lesser-known gems like
Baker's 1957 vocal take of "Embraceable You" (accompanied by acoustic guitarist
David Wheat) alongside classics including a live version of "My Funny Valentine" recorded in Boston in 1954. In fact, most of the tracks here are lesser-known recordings or live versions that stand on equal ground with the iconic
jazz musician's best-known cuts, making this collection a great option for buyers who may already own one of Blue Note's various collections but who don't want to invest in the original albums. Oddly though, also included is pianist
Pete Jolly's solo version of "Younger Than Springtime," culled from the 1956
Baker/
Art Pepper sessions for The Route. A direct connection to
Baker admittedly, but since the trumpeter didn't play on the track, one can only chalk the addition up to sloppy production by EMI. Nonetheless, given the myriad of ho-hum
Baker compilations available, the unexpected material gathered here makes for a refreshing listen. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide
