Chet Baker - Chet Baker Sings [Blue Note Essential Vinyl]

Chet Baker's soft-spoken singing and restrained trumpet playing define Chet Baker Sings, a landmark vocal jazz album built from standards rather than original material. Pianist Russ Freeman supports Baker through spare quartet arrangements that leave the melodies exposed and the words easy to follow. Drawn from sessions recorded in 1954 and 1956, the 14-song program established the intimate vocal style that became central to Baker's career.

"That Old Feeling" opens with Baker's voice before his trumpet takes over the melody, while "It's Always You" pairs a measured vocal with Russ Freeman's piano accompaniment. "My Funny Valentine" reduces the standard to a brief, vulnerable performance that became closely identified with Baker. "There Will Never Be Another You" moves at a livelier pace, with Baker returning to trumpet between vocal passages. "I Fall In Love Too Easily" closes the set with a direct reading and a short final statement from his horn.

The album treats romantic standards as personal statements, with Baker singing in a narrow range and avoiding theatrical delivery. His trumpet solos often continue the melodies after the verses, linking the vocal and instrumental sides of his work. This Blue Note Essential vinyl record is mastered from a high-resolution digital source and pressed on 140g vinyl for this edition.

• Format: Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "My Funny Valentine," "That Old Feeling," "There Will Never Be Another You," "I Fall In Love Too Easily"
• Pressing details: Blue Note Essential Vinyl Series, 140g vinyl, high-resolution digital master
• Genre/style: Vocal Jazz, Cool Jazz, West Coast Jazz
• UPC: 199957593069

"My Funny Valentine" and "I Fall In Love Too Easily" remain the album's most recognized performances, while "That Old Feeling" shows its brighter side. Russ Freeman's piano gives Baker's vocals and trumpet a consistent setting throughout the 14-song sequence.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. That Old Feeling
2. It's Always You
3. Like Someone In Love
4. My Ideal
5. I've Never Been In Love Before
6. My Buddy
   

Side B:

1. But Not For Me
2. Time After Time
3. I Get Along Without You Very Well
4. My Funny Valentine
5. There Will Never Be Another You
6. The Thrill Is Gone
7. I Fall In Love Too Easily
8. Look For The Silver Lining