Chet Baker Prince Of Cool: The Pacific Jazz Years 1952-1957 CD

Chet Baker was the exemplar of the "cool" jazz sound, and his subtle, sensitive singing and playing (and the hard living he did between times) made him into one of the genre's all-time iconic figures. Baker's peak years were in the 1950s, and his most important recordings from that decade were released on Pacific Jazz. PRINCE OF COOL is a definitive three-disc set that collects the best of Baker's Pacific Jazz material (from 1952-1957), with each disc focusing on his singing, playing, and collaborations, respectively.

Though Baker was never in the same technical ballpark as heavy-hitter vocalists like Billie Holiday or Ella Fitzgerald, his breezy tenor and unassuming, vulnerable delivery is romantic and endearing. Disc One compiles cuts from his three Pacific Jazz vocal albums (the monumental CHET BAKER SINGS among them), including his classic "My Funny Valentine," and "Let's Get Lost," the artist's signature tune. Disc Two features instrumentals showcasing Baker's understated bop approach, while the third disc--which also features instrumentals--includes top players of the day like Gerry Mulligan and Stan Getz. In short, PRINCE OF COOL is the very best of the best, making this box a must-have cornerstone of any jazz collection.

3cds-The Pacific Jazz Years (1952-1957)

Recording information: The Haig, L.A (10/15/1952-12/09/1957); Tiffany Club, L.A (10/15/1952-12/09/1957).

Arrangers: Jack Montrose; Frank Campo.

Personnel: Chet Baker (vocals, trumpet); Chet Baker ; David Wheat, David "Buck" Wheat (guitar); Corky Hale (harp); Edgar Lustgarten, Kurt Reher, Eleanor Slatkin, Ray Kramer (cello); Curtis Counce, Jimmy Bond, Joe Mondragon, Leroy Vinnegar, Red Mitchell, Russ Savakus, Bobby Whitlock , Carson Smith (double bass); Bud Shank (flute, baritone saxophone); Herb Geller (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Art Pepper (alto saxophone); Jack Montrose, Phil Urso, Richie Kamuca, Stan Getz (tenor saxophone); Gerry Mulligan, Bob Gordon (baritone saxophone); Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone); Russ Freeman (piano, celesta); Pete Jolly, Carl Perkins , Bobby Timmons (piano); Chico Hamilton, Larance Marable, Larry Bunker, Shelly Manne, Stan Levey, Peter Littman, Bob Neel (drums).

Liner Note Author: Ted Gioia.