Chet Baker & Strings

Limited Edition, Audiophile Remastering, High Quality 180 Gram Vinyl! Pressed at Pallas in Germany!
This 180g vinyl reissue of Chet Baker and Strings features three bonus tracks not found on the original release. Baker is joined by Zoot Sims, Bud Shank, Joe Mondragon, Shelly Manne and a host of string musicians.
This release provides a unique look at the young Chet Baker within a quintet complemented by a nine-piece string ensemble. Using exclusively modern arrangements by Johnny Mandel, Marty Paich, Jack Montrose and Shorty Rogers, this interplay of 'West Coast Cool' and pure elevator music avoids many - if not all - possible musical pitfalls that would suggest such a connection. The string arrangements are, in the best sense of the word, an increase in the desired opulence without clumsy or syrupy side effects.
What is particularly inspiring about this excursion is how successfully Baker and his troupe thrive in this neighborhood, skilfully providing insight into their quintet's ability to simultaneously make something their own and lose themselves in it. "Love Walked In" shows an exuding interplay of Baker and Sims, their trademark to a certain extent. With "Love" you could argue about whether it's actually the best use of the strings on this LP, along with a brilliant solo by Freeman. Actually, his contribution ranks especially on this record among the best in collaboration with Baker and his band, the same enthusiasm sets in with "A Little Duet For Zoot And Chet". Not only are Sims and Baker soaring, but the strings are also swinging irresistibly. The carefree and on the other hand winding string interludes support the Cool Bop like a dragon in a March breeze - light, airy and conspicuous only by its height.
Tracks A7 & 8 and B7 are bonus tracks that were not included on the original LP.

Features:

• Limited Edition
• 180g Vinyl
• Audiophile Remastering
• Pressed at Pallas in Germany
• Original on the Columbia Label
• 3 Bonus Tracks not on original release

Musicians:

• Chet Baker, trumpet
• Zoot Sims, tenor saxophone
• Bud Shank, alto sax, flute
• Samuel Cytron, strings
• Jacques Gasselin, strings
• Victor Gottlieb, strings
• George Kast, strings
• Lou Kievman, strings
• Paul Robyn, strings
• Eudice Shapiro, strings
• Paul Shure, strings
• Felixe Slatkin, strings
• Russ Freeman, piano
• Joe Mondragon, bass
• Shelly Manne, drums

Selections:

Side A
1. You Don't Know What Love Is
2. I'm Thru With Love
3. Love Walked In
4. You Better Go Now
5. I Married An Angel
6. Love
Bonus Tracks
7. You Don't Know What Love Is (alternate take)
8. You Better Go Now (alternate take)
Side B
1. I Love You
2. What A Diff'rence A Day Made
3. Why Shouldn't I
4. A Little Duet
5. The Wind
6. Trickeydiddlier
Bonus Track
7. A Little Duet (alternate take)