Chet Baker - Complete 1953-1954 Studio Recordings

Title: Complete 1953-1954 Studio Recordings Artist: Chet Baker Release Date: 8/3/2004 Label: Definitive Classics Album Type(s): Greatest Hits UPC: 8436006492709 Genre: Jazz Styles: Cool, West Coast Jazz, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Instrument, Trumpet Jazz Moods: Atmospheric, Intimate, Melancholy, Relaxed, Dreamy, Elegant, Gentle, Reserved, Restrained, Somber, Sophisticated, Stylish, Autumnal, Laid-Back/Mellow, Refined/Mannered, Reflective, Romantic, Sweet, Sensual Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 1 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 2

1. Isn't It Romantic
2. The Lamp Is Low
3. This Time the Dream's on Me
4. Maid in Mexico
5. Imagination
6. Russ Job
7. Batter Up
8. Easy to Love
9. Long Ago and Far Away
10. Carson City Stage
11. No Ties
12. All the Things You Are
13. The Thrill Is Gone
14. Band Aid
15. Bea's Flat
16. Moon Love
17. Happy Little Sunbeam
18. I Fall in Love Too Easily
19. Winter Wonderland
20. The Thrill Is Gone
21. Long Ago and Far Away [Alternate Take][*]
22. No Ties [Alternate Take][*]
23. The Thrill Is Gone [Alternate Take][*]
24. Moon Love [Alternate Take][*]
25. Happy Little Sunbeam [Alternate Take][*]
26. Winter Wonderland [Alternate Take][*]

1. But Not for Me
2. Time After Time
3. I Get Along Without You Very Well
4. There Will Never Be Another You
5. Look Fot the Silver Lining
6. My Funny Valentine
7. I Fall in Love to Easily
8. Headline
9. Bockhanal
10. Ergo
11. A Dandy Line
12. Pro Defunctus
13. Little Old Lady
14. Moonlight Becomes You
15. Goodbye
16. Dot's Groovy
17. Tommy Hawk
18. The Half Dozens
19. Little Man, You've Had a Busy Day
20. Stella by Starlight
21. I'm Glad There's You
22. There Will Never Be Another You [Alternate Take][*]
23. Little Old Lady [Alternate Take][*]

Year Type Label Catalog # 2004 CD Definitive Classics 11270

No other editions were found for this album.

In terms of thoroughness, 2004's Complete 1953-1954 Studio Recordings delivers the goods on trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker's earliest output for Pacific Jazz. Collected within the double-disc set is much of the same material that can be found on Grey December, Chet Baker Big Band, Chet Baker Quartet Featuring Russ Freeman, and Chet Baker Sings. That said, by the very nature of those modern compilations, each includes additional selections that enthusiasts will inevitably desire. Among the musicians joining Baker are Art Pepper (alto sax), Bud Shank (sax), Phil Urso (tenor sax), Bobby Timmons (piano), Russ Freeman (piano), Shelly Manne (drums), Bob Whitlock (bass), Joe Mondragon (bass), Bobby White (bass), and Larry Bunker (drums). But it is undeniably Baker at the center of the timeless arrangements, most notably Johnny Mandel's "Tommy Hawk" and "I'm Glad There Is You" -- both of which are undisputed high watermarks of the Freeman sextet sessions. Other focal points from the era are the off the cuff "Isn't It Romantic" and the frisky syncopated "Maid in Mexico" -- with Freeman's unmistakable melody lines -- as well as the understated and sublime "Imagination." The latter likewise features one of Baker's all too infrequent vocals, which the artist eventually all but abandoned. Complete 1953-1954 Studio Recordings also boasts a number of 10" EP and alternate 12" LP versions, primarily "No Ties," "There Will Never Be Another You," "Long Ago and Far Away," "The Thrill Is Gone," "Moon Love," "Winter Wonderland," "Happy Little Sunbeam," and "Little Old Lady." Again, it bears mentioning that since this retrospective includes no previously unissued tunes, some may find it a bit redundant. However, parties seeking an apt omnibus of seminal Baker sides can't go wrong here. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide

Name Credits Bob Brookmeyer Trombone (Valve) Bob Neal Drums Bobby Whitlock Bass Bud Shank Sax (Baritone) Carson Smith Bass Chet Baker Trumpet, Vocals, Author Herb Geller Sax (Alto) Jack Montrose Sax (Tenor) Joe Mondragon Bass Larry Bunker Drums Red Mitchell Bass Russ Freeman Piano Shelly Manne Drums William Claxton Cover Photo