Chet Baker Sextet Chet Is Back!

After a two year absence from the studio (most of that time spent in an Italian jail) Chet's return could not have been more triumphant. He quiets all notions that he is a "has been" with his fiery delivery as he swings with a great Italian band. His version of "Rainbow" is one of the prettiest things you'll ever hear. This is arguably his best recording of the 1960's.
42 years ago, Chet Baker, one of the tragic personalities of jazz, who between cool and hot, drugs and alcohol wore themselves out and destroyed themselves, was a tireless traveler between jazz clubs in Europe. The local rhythm sections were not always of sufficient quality. Therefore, it was logical to bring together only the best from all countries for the production of a film score in Italy. It was just as logical that the Italian subsidiary of the company RCA brought the musicians into the studio in January 1962.
With one exception, the eight titles are so-called standards. Both wind instruments demand maximum concentration from the rhythmists and at the same time relaxed handling of the harmony patterns. The Italian Tommasi, the Belgian Thomas, the Frenchman Quersin and the Swiss Humair deliver this with corresponding nonchalance. "These Foolish Things" and the only new composition "Ballata In Forma Di Blues" are the ballads that are interspersed, time to catch their breath for the listeners; around it pieces in fast tempos, which prove the high standard on which Chet Baker and Bobby Jaspar move. Add to that "Over The Rainbow", a theme linked to another tragic figure in music history, Judy Garland. The middle part is full of pure beauty, which Chet elicits from his horn.
Fortunately, these photographs from Rome in 1962 do not have to be reserved for collectors of the sixties. The re-release on LP offers the chance to listen to the excellent music and to watch the cover, as it is almost priceless in the original.

Features:

• 180g High Quality Vinyl
• Pure Analogue
• AAA Recording
• Made from the original, analogue mastertapes

Musicians:

• Chet Baker, trumpet, vocals
• Bobby Jaspar, flute, tenor sax
• Rene Thomas, guitar
• Daniel Humair, drums
• Benoit Quersin, bass
• Amadeo Tommasi, piano

Selections:

Side A
1. Well, You Needn' t
2. Thesis Foolish Things
3. Barbados
4. Star Eyes
Side B
1. Over The Rainbow
2. Pent Up House
3. Ballata in Forma di Blues
4. Blues In The Closet

Recording: January 1962 in Rome in Mono