Chet Baker - Love Walked In [2006] (4 x CDs)

SUNDAY JAZZ

CHET BAKER

Chet Baker - Love Walked In [2006] (4 x CDs)

Mostly 1955-1956 recordings, with a few tracks recorded in 1953. This 4-CD set combines excerpts from various Chet Baker albums. Some small combos, some with strings, some with big bands. Nothing from the legendary albums of this period with Gerry Mulligan, Bill Evans, or Russ Freeman ("Legendary 1956 Session"). Includes some Chet Baker classics such as "Everything Happens to Me".  In total 52 tracks; some titles ("Dinah", "V-line", "Chet") are repeated but these are different performances with different musicians in separate sessions. Booklet with some photos and notes in German, Français, Italiano, Espanol, although not related with these contents, rather a short bio.  Does not pretend to offer a wide spectrum of Chet's diversified discography.

Chet Baker, born Chesney Henry Baker Jr. on December 23, 1929, in Yale, Oklahoma, was an iconic jazz trumpeter and vocalist known for his contributions to the cool jazz movement. Often referred to as the “Prince of Cool,” Baker’s career was marked by both his musical genius and his tumultuous personal life. His early years were spent in a musical household, which laid the foundation for his future in jazz. After serving in the U.S. Army, Baker’s career took off in the early 1950s when he joined baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan’s quartet, gaining widespread acclaim for his lyrical trumpet style.

The album “Love Walked In,” released in 2006 by Pacific Jazz, is a delightful 4-CD box set that brings together Chet Baker’s enchanting work with strings, originally recorded in the 1950s. This collection is an expanded version of the original “Chet Baker with Strings” LP, which was a significant milestone in Baker’s career. It features top-notch arrangers like Marty Paich, Jack Montrose, Shorty Rogers, and Johnny Mandel, and includes contributions from talented musicians such as Zoot Sims, Bud Shank, and Shelly Manne.

“Love Walked In” beautifully captures the essence of Baker’s cool jazz style, characterized by his warm, laid-back trumpet tone and the lush string arrangements that perfectly complement his playing. The album includes timeless standards like “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” “I’m Thru With Love,” and the titular track “Love Walked In.” Baker’s performance on this album exudes a sense of ease and relaxation, evident in his fluid trumpet lines and the seamless interplay with the accompanying strings.

What’s even more exciting is that the box set also includes alternate takes and previously unreleased tracks, giving listeners a comprehensive look at Baker’s work during this period. These additional tracks add depth to the album, showcasing Baker’s versatility and his incredible ability to convey emotion through his music. “Love Walked In” stands as a testament to Chet Baker’s enduring legacy in the world of jazz, highlighting his unique talent for blending technical proficiency with heartfelt expression.

In summary, Chet Baker’s “Love Walked In” is a remarkable 4-CD box set that truly captures the essence of his cool jazz style. It’s a fitting tribute to a musician whose contributions to jazz continue to resonate with listeners today. If you’re a fan of jazz or just looking for some soothing tunes, this album is definitely worth a listen. (B)

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Track lists

CD01

01 Chet Baker - Love Walked In 2:59

02 Chet Baker - You Better Go Now 3:06

03 Chet Baker - I Married An Angel 3:37

04 Chet Baker - I Love You 2:49

05 Chet Baker - Why Shouldn't I? 3:36

06 Chet Baker - The Wind 4:02

07 Chet Baker - Trickleydidlier 2:41

08 Chet Baker - There's A Small Hotel 3:47

09 Chet Baker - These Foolish Things 4:43

10 Chet Baker - How About You! 4:29

11 Chet Baker - I'll Remember April 5:53

12 Chet Baker - Summertime 4:15

13 Chet Baker - Everything Happens To Me 3:40

14 Chet Baker - All The Things You Are 5:43

15 Chet Baker - Once In A While 5:32

CD02

01 Chet Baker - Rondette 2:10

02 Chet Baker - Mid-Forte 3:08

03 Chet Baker - Sad Walk 4:14

04 Chet Baker - Re-Search 4:59

05 Chet Baker - Just Do 4:11

06 Chet Baker - Piece Caprice 5:10

07 Chet Baker - Pomp 4:41

08 Chet Baker - The Girl From Greenland 5:14

09 Chet Baker - Brash 5:55

10 Chet Baker - Chet 3:09

11 Chet Baker - Dinah 3:02

12 Chet Baker - Vline - 1st Version 3:03

13 Chet Baker - In Memory Of Dick 2:55

CD03

01 Chet Baker - Revelation 4:01

02 Chet Baker - Halema 3:52

03 Chet Baker - Something For Liza 4:07

04 Chet Baker - Slightly Above Moderate 7:01

05 Chet Baker - Lucius Lu 5:36

06 Chet Baker - To Mickey' Memory 5:15

07 Chet Baker - Worryin' The Life Out Of Me 3:01

08 Chet Baker - Medium Rock 5:32

09 Chet Baker - Jumping' Off A Clef 4:56

10 Chet Baker - Chippyin 3:22

11 Chet Baker - Pawnee Junction 4:02

12 Chet Baker - Line For Lyons 2:50

13 Chet Baker - Music To Dance By 4:37

14 Chet Baker - To Mickey's Memory Alt. Take 5:23

CD04

01 Chet Baker - Mythe 4:26

02 Chet Baker - Phil's Blues 4:38

03 Chet Baker - Dinah 4:39

04 Chet Baker - V-Line 3:25

05 Chet Baker - A Foggy Day 3:28

06 Chet Baker - Darn That Dream 3:30

07 Chet Baker - Tenderly 4:04

08 Chet Baker - Worryin' The Life Out Of Me 5:22

09 Chet Baker - Chet 4:12

10 Chet Baker - Not Too Slow 3:49

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