Chet Baker Sextet CD

Personnel: Chet Baker (trumpet); Chet Baker ; James Buffington, Jim Buffington (French horn); Russ Savakus, Carson Smith (double bass); Seymour Barab (cello); Gene Allen (bass clarinet); Bob Tricarico (bassoon); Bud Shank (baritone saxophone); Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone); Russ Freeman (piano); Shelly Manne (drums).
Liner Note Author: Michael Cuscuna.
Recording information: Coastal Studios, New York, NY (09/09/1954/09/15/1954); Radio Annex, Los Angeles, CA (09/09/1954/09/15/1954).
Photographer: William Claxton.
Arrangers: Jack Montrose; Johnny Mandel; Bill Holman; Bob Zieff.
Chet Baker Sextet features tracks recorded by trumpeter Chet Baker in 1954 and 1957 for the Pacific Jazz label and released over the years on various albums, including the original Playboys date. These are stellar "West Coast"-style tracks reminiscent of the small group work Baker did with saxophonist Jerry Mulligan and featuring first class arrangements by Jack Montrose and Bob Zieff. However, the Zieff cuts feature an unusual for the period chamber-style group with French horn, bassoon, cello, bass clarinet, and bass. The result was softly angular and very modern for the time. Interestingly most of the tracks have remained largely unavailable until this collection. While there are far more influential Baker albums from the '50s, Sextet is a beautiful album and a must-hear for Baker aficionados. ~ Matt Collar
One of the best non-vocal Chet Baker albums, this outing features the artist in two sextet settings. The first (tracks 1-8) augments the piano/bass/drums backing group with valve trombone and baritone sax, while the second (tracks 9-12) adds French horn, bass clarinet, bassoon, and cello to Baker's trumpet, dispensing with piano and drums. The first set moves along smoothly in a manner of the West Coast "cool" jazz of the time (which brought a detached, restrained air to the intensity of traditional bop). Fine arranging from Jack Montrose, Johnny Mandel, and Bill Holman keeps the ensemble parts clean and well balanced, and each player solos with poise and technical prowess. Baker's classic style is in ample evidence throughout--note the definitive rendition of "Stella by Starlight" here.
However, the second sextet's tracks--culled from a session once believed lost--really surprise. Featuring tunes written and arranged by Bob Zieff, the swinging--but somehow stately--songs here are unique. The lack of drums gives the music a very distinctive chamber-music aspect that was quite unusual for the time in a jazz context. The results are intimate, atmospheric, startling, and quite beautiful; these tunes alone make the set worthy of attention.