Jazz 'Round Midnight

Jazz 'Round Midnight (Series), Chet Baker

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 19, 1991)
• Original Release Date: March 19, 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B00000479V
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #227,811 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Issued in a series devoted to jazz at its most romantic, this CD is compiled from several sessions either recorded in Paris in 1955, emphasizing Chet Baker's trumpet with trio accompaniments, or New York in 1965, emphasizing his voice in settings from nonet to duet. He's in good form for all of it, one of jazz's essential ballad artists defining a fine edge between cool detachment and wistful sensitivity. His trumpet is particularly inventive on the relaxed tempo of the extended "Exitus" and simply brilliant on the brief, finely etched "Alone Together." His voice may have been in the best shape of his career in 1965, and the nonet of reeds and rhythm frames it beautifully on "Easy Living" and "Trav'lin' Light." "Sweet Sue," revealing new depths with Baker's surprising ballad treatment, and "You're Mine, You!" are gorgeously spare with just Kenny Burrell's guitar, while a young Bob James adds limpid piano to "The Touch of Your Lips." --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Romantic Side Of Chet Baker, January 14, 2003

By	Robert J. Ament "papacoolbreeze" (Ballwin, MO United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have lauded the "Jazz 'Round Midnight" series on Verve previously as being great late night music as well as a good intro to an artist with which one may not be familiar. This is no exception to that statement.

This compilation is taken from the years 1955, 1956, 1965, and 1967 which were prime time for Chet, especially his vocal stylings (9 of 14 tracks) which exuded a kind of innocence and definitely an appeal which coudn't be denied. Coupled with the guitar backing of Kenny Burell, the combination is unbeatable!

I've always been fascinated with his trumpet playing, which on these ballads has a rather haunting sadness which seems to have been a reflection on his life. Check out "You Go To My Head" or "These Foolish Things". "Alone Together" has such an aura of loneliness that one should be sharing the moment with someone while listening to this.

Bottom line this is perfect late night music, and while not being indicative of his more uptempo capabilities, it is a good introduction to the world of Chet Baker.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh my heart..., August 28, 2000

By A Customer

This album touched me from my head to my toes! The entire thing is flawless, perfectly balanced, musically, and just plain sends me every time I listen to it. Favorite tracks include "The Touch of Your Lips" and "You're Mine, You!" The romantic in me absolutely loves the choice of tunes and the musician in me really gets into the spareness of the 'arrangements' and groove. There is nothing cooler than Chet baker on horn or vocals.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pure Emotion, February 14, 2005

By	Cool Nerd - See all my reviews

I have been a jazz fan for many years, but somehow the music of Chet Baker had more or less eluded me. After a few friends highly recommended picking up anything by him, I gave this CD a shot. They were right. This is some incredible music. There is something about this man's voice and they way he plays his trumpet that just gives me chills. It is certainly not happy, upbeat music, but sometimes it can feel good to experience this kind of pain.

I would definitely recommend this CD to any jazz lover that is unfamiliar with Chet Baker. It will undoubtedly make you a fan, and will have you searching for other necessary CDs by him, as I am doing now.