Search - Chet Baker :: Baker's Holiday

ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF COOL AT HIS ELEGANT BEST

Unlucky Frank | Lalaland, CA United States | 04/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't listen to the reviewer below. (Phew!! Some people!!) Chet always sang a little flat. That was his style. People either love his voice or hate it.



This is mostly an undiscovered treasure from Chet Baker. Chet made a lot of bad and questionable recordings. THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM. This is one of his least known and more romantic recordings. And I know that's what your looking for. Why else would you be searching out Chet's music? His vocals never sounded better. In 1964, Chet had just returned from Europe after being expelled from almost every country and was a full-blown junkie. But you'd never know it by listening to BAKER'S HOLIDAY. In 1965, this record immediately followed BABY BREEZE (another great record) and didn't sell well. But Baker had a new romance in his life as he began to slowly abandon his third marriage. He must have been in love because this recording just drips ROMANTIC COOL, as well as being a great tribute to Lady Day. Chet sings on 4 tunes here and plays flugelhorn (because someone stole his trumpet) over guitar, piano, rhythm section, and a lovely reed ensemble. The elegant song selections couldn't be better. And to top it all off, it's got just the right amount of SWING!!



If you like the romantic side of Chet Baker, put this in your CART. You probably already own LET'S GET LOST: THE BEST OF CHET BAKER SINGS and MY FUNNY VALENTINE and you're looking for more, right? THIS IS ONE OF HIS BEST. But why are you listening to me? Sample the MAGIC for yourself.



ENJOY."

Baker's Holiday

Unlucky Frank | 10/26/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This is a mid-sixties recording of Chet and though there are a few good moments, Chet is not in top form. "Travelin' Light", the opening track, is a great song with sparse arrangements but unfortunately, Chet's pitch is flat(sorry Chet). As for the other tracks, some are memorable, though kind of 60's/New York/Mary Tyler Moorish...I would recommend his albums "Italian Sessions" as some free spirited, top notch playing and "My Funny Valentine" to hear his voice. Chet Baker was a fantastic musician but I really think the best thing about this album is the material."

Stunning...

Unlucky Frank | 10/01/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This exquisite session is well worth picking up, Baker's tribute to Holiday is touching, he sings and plays in a big band setting, mostly ballads that Lady Day was famous for. Recommended."