Chet - Chet Baker (1LP Vinyl)

Chet Baker's Chet represents everything I love about discovering rare vinyl treasures.

I remember finding this gem in a dusty basement shop in New York – the owner didn't even know what he had. Riverside Records gave Chet Baker the creative freedom to explore, and you can hear it in every note of this recording.

This recording captures Chet Baker during a transformative period in both their personal artistry and the broader musical landscape.

Musical Analysis:
What strikes me most about this recording is the intricate interplay between the musicians. Chet Baker leads with that distinctive voice that made them a legend, but it's the conversation between all the players that creates the real magic. The harmonic progressions showcase the evolution of jazz during this era, moving beyond traditional structures into more adventurous territory. You can hear the influence of bebop, hard bop, and the emerging modal approaches that would define the future of jazz. The rhythm section provides that perfect foundation – tight but never restrictive, allowing for those spontaneous moments that make jazz so compelling.

From a Collector's Perspective:
After decades of hunting down rare pressings and audiophile releases, I can tell you that records like this don't come around often. This isn't just a record – it's a piece of musical history that belongs in any serious collection. The market for recordings like this has only grown stronger over the years, as more collectors recognize the artistic and historical significance of these sessions.

What makes this pressing special:
Track Listing:
A1. Alone Together
A2. How High The Moon
A3. It Never Entered My Mind
A4. 'Tis Autumn
B1. If You Could See Me Now
B2. September Song
B3. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
B4. Time On My Hands
B5. You And The Night And The Music

Sound Quality & Pressing Details:
The sonic characteristics of this pressing are exceptional. The dynamic range captures every nuance of the original performance – from the subtle brush work on the drums to the full bloom of the horns in the climactic passages. The stereo imaging (or mono presentation, depending on the era) places you right in the studio with the musicians. You can hear the room tone, the natural reverb, and those little details that make you feel like you're experiencing a live performance. The bass response is tight and defined, the midrange warm and present, and the high frequencies crisp without any harshness. Pressing quality is crucial for a record like this, and this release maintains the highest standards. The vinyl is quiet between tracks, tracking is excellent throughout, and the overall presentation does justice to the source material. Modern pressing technology has allowed engineers to revisit the original master tapes with fresh ears and cutting-edge equipment, resulting in a sound quality that often surpasses earlier reissues.

If you're building a serious collection, this belongs on your shelf. I guarantee you'll return to this record again and again.

– Miles Waxey

Artist: Chet Baker

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: Riverside Records

Catalog Number: CR00359

Series: CRAFT Recordings

Release Year: 2021

Country: United States

Condition: Sealed (New)