Chet Baker - The Italian Sessions (1962) [Jazz][mp3 320][h33t][schon55]

Chet Baker - The Italian Sessions (1962)

Original Release Date: January 5, 1962

Audio CD (October 15, 1996)

Label: Bluebird/RCA

Bitrate: 320 kbps



The 1960's are often considered the low point of Chet Baker's rocky career, but this album recorded in 1962 is undoubtedly one of the finest efforts of his early playing. Baker is aided and abetted by American tenorman and flutist Bobby Jaspar and propelled by the exhuberant Daniel Humair, Europe's answer to the sensational hard bop drummer Philly Joe Jones. Although Chet is primarily known as an interpreter of wispy ballads and standards, he stands out on this set as an advanced, aggressive be-bop improviser. His playing on the Thelonious Monk classic 'Well, You Needn't' and high-speed romp through 'Pent-Up House' are two of the best versions of these tunes ever recorded, and he excels on Charlie Parker's 'Barbados'. Also worth mentioning is 'Blues In The Closet', unusual in the sense that Chet did not record many good interpretations of tunes based on blues changes.



Although there is no singing here, Chet's unusually focused command and skilled playing make this album a must-have for fans of Chet's trumpet playing. If you are a traditional be-bop/hard bop fan who has never approached Chet Baker, give this album a try. ~ Michael Laprarie



I've owned half a dozen Chet Baker CD's and half of them were poorly recorded or the performances were mediocre. This album, however, is absolutely awesome. I've owned it for a couple of years and it is all scratched up but I still listen to it often. Chet is in top form here and the sound quality as well as the musicianship has to be the best I've ever heard. The strength of material wanes a bit after track 5 but this is still remarkable stuff. There is no singing on this album for those of you looking for a vocal CD (try My Funny Valentine-it's great). His tone is so powerful on this CD and really pries at something inside -- a great recording and a fantastic CD. You can't go wrong here. ~ Bob Schlump



Personnel:

Chet Baker ( trumpet )

Bobby Jaspar ( flute, tenor sax )

Amadeo Tommasi ( piano )

Rene Thomas ( guitar )

Daniel Humair ( drums )

Benoit Quersin ( bass )



Chet Baker - The Italian Sessions Tracks:

01 We'll You Needn't ( 6:24 )

02 These Foolish Things ( 4:59 )

03 Barbados ( 8:30 )

04 Star Eyes ( 7:01 )

05 Over The Rainbow ( 3:31 )

06 Pent-Up House ( 6:54 )

07 Ballata In Forma Di Blues ( 10:06 )

08 Blues In The Closet ( 7:43 )