Deep in a Dream: Ultimate Chet Baker Collection

Chet Baker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 7, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B0000658PC
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,154 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #37 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > Cool Jazz

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

While it's not quite the ultimate collection promised by the title, Deep in a Dream is still an excellent introduction to the music of Chet Baker. The 19 tracks, which were chosen by James Gavin, author of the definitive Baker biography, are culled from Baker's 1950s recordings for a variety of labels, including Pacific Jazz, Columbia, Colpix, Jazzland, and Jazztone. The tunes include both instrumental and vocal versions of Baker's trademark song, "My Funny Valentine," as well as a thoughtful selection of Baker's work with assorted groups, including Gerry Mulligan's famous pianoless quartet. Also included are previously unreleased a cappella versions of "Blue Room" and "Spring Is Here," which Baker sings in his fragile but compelling voice. --Michael Simmons

Product Description

The 19 tracks on this disc give a clear picture of baker's musical brilliance. His soft, unaffected vocals provide a haunting counterpoint to his trumpet. No other Chet Baker compilation can boast the rarities contained on Deep In A Dream. Includes 'Blue Room' & 'Spring Is Here' (previously uinssued) & 'Petite Fleur' & My Funny Valentine' (first time on CD). 2002.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A smoldering set..., April 3, 2006

By 

psychomuse - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Deep in a Dream: Ultimate Chet Baker Collection (Audio CD)

For the initiate and the long-time fan, this collection is a career spanning glimpse at Baker's most brilliant performances. Trumpet and voice are both sultry, sad, and "suspended in air like a curl of cigarette smoke" (from the liner notes - which are an excellent companion to the music). This is pure soul, long and slow, melancholy and deep. The sound is clean but not overly so. The original grain comes through without the pops and clicks. From jazzman to junkie, this is the musical journey of Chet Baker on one carefully crafted cd.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good But Hardly Ultimate, September 7, 2008

By 

Bruce E. Fleury (New Orleans) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deep in a Dream: Ultimate Chet Baker Collection (Audio CD)

I've given this three stars - not because of the music, which is fine, but for the sheer presumption of the title. This is not, in any sense of the word, an "ultimate" collection of Chet's vast repertoire. It is not even representative. Those just approaching this towering jazz icon will not be won over by this sometimes inspired, sometimes oddball mish-mash of selections. New fans will find a much better slice of Chet's multifaceted career in the excellent "Career" or "Chet Baker Sings" or the marvelous Barclay sessions "In Paris", or even the bopped out wonders of Chet Baker & Stan Getz on "West Coast Live". My personal favorite Chet CD is the exquisite "Embraceable You", a gem only recently discovered, after gathering dust on a shelf for 40 years. "Deep in a Dream" has its moments, to be sure, like the title cut, but the a capella vocals don't cut it, and several other cuts receive better treatment on other CD's. So get it if you are already a big fan, but look elsewhere if you are unfamiliar with the inspired work of this troubled genius.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding Chet Baker CD, October 5, 2002

By 

Steve Emerine (Tucson, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deep in a Dream: Ultimate Chet Baker Collection (Audio CD)

This CD, issued in conjunction with the publication of James Gavin's new biography, "Deep in a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker," is an excellent collection of Baker recordings during his peak years. Included in the 19 tunes by trumpeter-vocalist Baker between 1952 and 1965 are three real gems -- 1953 a capella vocals of "Blue Room" and "Spring Is Here" that have not been issued until now and a cut of "Petite Fleur" that only appeared on an out-of-print Bud Shank LP in 1965. Whether you want to take your first step into the land of Chet Baker or add to an already large collection of this artist, this CD is for you. I also recommend Gavin's book.