Picture Of Heath - Chet Baker (1LP Vinyl) [Tone Poet Series]

Picture Of Heath by Chet Baker is the kind of album that reminds you why vinyl collecting became a lifelong passion featuring Art Pepper, Phil Urso.

This session brings together Chet Baker with Art Pepper and Phil Urso – a collaboration that creates something truly special.

This record has been in my personal collection for years, and every time I play it, I discover something new in the interplay between the musicians.

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. Each musician brings their A-game here – Art Pepper, Phil Urso – creating layers of complexity that reveal new details with every listen. 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:
Recorded October 31, 1956, at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, CA.

Includes extra liner notes on an 11.5" x 11.5" insert printed on a single side.

A Blue Note Records release; originally released under this title by Pacific Jazz Records in 1961, and as "Playboys" by World Pacific Records in 1957.
© 2022 UMG Recordings, Inc. Blue Note® is a registered trademark of Capitol Records, LLC.
Printed in U.S.A.

Cut directly from the original analog tapes.

Runouts are etched.

Track Listing:
A1. Picture Of Heath
A2. For Miles And Miles
A3. C.T.A.
B1. For Minors Only
B2. Minor-Yours
B3. Resonant Emotions
B4. Tynan Tyme

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

Supporting Artists: Art Pepper, Phil Urso

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: Pacific Jazz

Catalog Number: B0033674-01

Series: Tone Poet Series

Release Year: 2022

Country: Germany

Condition: Sealed (New)