On “Chet Baker In New York” – released on Riverside in 1958 – Chet plays like an angel with a muted trumpet. The album captures the moody “Prince of Cool” as he entered the East Coast hard bop scene and asserted himself with charm, sound, and incredibly lyrical melodies that seem to float above the beat like cigarette smoke in a club basement. Chet Baker didn't play the trumpet. He seduced it. His tone is so velvety that you could spread it on toast. His solos are like a conversation with someone who never raises his voice – but always has the last word. On “Chet Baker In New York,” the brilliant musician proves that his notorious fragile personality concealed a rock-solid sense of melody, timing, and understated self-confidence.
Chet may be the headliner, but he came to town with serious firepower. Johnny Griffin, known as “Little Giant,” brought big bebop bite and pushed Chet into edgier territory – and yes, it works! Al Haig, the king of bebop, was really cool and provided the perfect harmonic complement to Baker's phrasing. Paul Chambers, Miles' first choice, doesn't play bass—he struts it. And finally, Philly Joe Jones swung so hard that it's a wonder the studio walls didn't collapse. This lineup makes “Chet Baker In New York” a full-fledged jazz heavyweight battle, where elegance and energy go hand in hand for 42 glorious minutes. This album deserves a place in every jazz fan's collection. It captures a unique moment in Chet's career – between the airy West Coast Cool and the rougher later years. It's a must-have for any jazz collector who values sound, taste, and a touch of trumpet romance. Pure coolness!
As part of the “Analogue Productions Fantasy 45 Series”, “Chet Baker In New York” is now being honored with a sonically outstanding reissue, lovingly mastered by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman at Acoustech Mastering. The double LP, pressed on 180-gram vinyl by industry leader Quality Record Pressings (QRP) and cut at 45 RPM, comes in an old-style tip-on gatefold jacket from Stoughton Printing with a scuff-resistant, matte finish.
MUSICIANS
Chet Baker: trumpet
Johnny Griffin: tenor saxophone
Al Haig: piano
Paul Chambers: bass
Philly Joe Jones: drums
Title
LP 1
Side A
1. Fair Weather
2. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
Side B
1. Hotel 49
LP 2
Side C
1. Solar
2. Blue Thoughts
Side D
1. When Lights Are Low
