"In all of the studio contexts in which Chet is presented here, what shines through is his astounding consistency. He is relaxed, focused, and above all very natural in every situation, and it is precisely the combination of qualities that William Claxton and a host of others captured with the camera. More important than the look, he had the sound - which still lives today, thanks to the many microphones into which he sang and blew all those beautiful notes. There are plenty of magic moments on this CD." ~ Harold Danko ~

"Jazz Masters 32: Chet Baker" is one of the series of Verve Record's Jazz Masters honoring legendary jazz artists with their most outstanding body of work. Presenting on this CD is a collection of sixteen most remarkable songs and melodies that Chet Baker recorded in the course of twenty-two years from 1955 through 1977. It is a set of standards that he handsomely interpreted to perfection with the backing of some of the finest jazz musicians namely: Hank Jones and Kenny Barron (piano), Ron Carter (bass), Paul Desmond (alto sax) and Tony Williams (drums), among many others.

Indeed, Harold Danko, was right on his Liner Notes that "there are plenty of magic moments on this CD" and these are some of them - the tracks that showcase his soft and mellow voice, "There Is No Greater Love," "You're Mine, You!" "Oh, You Crazy Moon" and "How Deep Is The Ocean?"

You will absolutely appreciate his pleasantly sounding trumpet on these nicely rendered tunes, "Summertime," "Once In A While," "All The Things You Are" and "These Foolish Things."

Give this CD a listen and experience another jazz master who recorded some of the best music that we take pleasure in listening to.

Wholeheartedly recommended.

If you're looking for an introductory disk to Chet Baker, this is probably a good start (as any Verve compilation would be). Some vocal tracks (which are not my favorite, but he has a nice distinctive sound), some up tempo, some ballad. All very nice tracks -- this disk is one I listen to frequently. Baker seems to be one of those who defines "West Coast Cool" jazz, and this is nice music for a rainy day. File under "something I heard in Starbucks".

To me the greatest of them all. Why?

a) the tunes he picked are almost wihout any exception cool, brilliant and so rich and full of music and great lyrics

b) his voice is as fragile as his trumpet playing

c) he is one of the true masters of "less is more" and TRUE COOLNESS

d) he is the only one to my knowledge playing without vibrato (along with the great Miles - whom they tell the story that his great teacher of early days told him dont play any vibrato as long as you can avoid, you end up sooner or later anyhow when you cant hold the note anymore steadily...)

e) his 4,5 or 6 piece bands have always been put together stellar!

f) out of taste; There is no doubt having the right to say Miles was the greatest of them all (But he didnt sing and lyrics to me in Jazz is also so important "...I guess I go through life just catching colds and missing trains..." out of my favourite tune: "Everything Happens To Me"

good c