Published Thursday, April 21, 2022, 10:35 AM
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If you are a fan of jazz, you know the name Chet Baker. He was one of the most influential trumpeters in the history of American jazz. His unique style and approach to music have inspired countless musicians.
In this blog post, we will be looking at some of his best albums ever. Whether you’re a new fan or a long-time listener, there’s sure to be something you’ll love on this list.
Who is Chet Baker?
Before we dive into the list, let’s take a look at who Chet Baker was and what made it so special.
Chet Baker was born in Yale, Oklahoma, in 1929. His father was a trombone player, and his mother sang in the local church choir. Becker showed an interest in music from a young age and started playing the piano when he was just six years old. When he was eleven years old, he started learning how to play the trumpet from his father.
In 1946, at the age of seventeen, Baker joined the United States Army Division. He served for two years before being honorably discharged. After his stint in the army, Baker moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music.
Chet Baker’s life and legacy
It was in Los Angeles where Baker’s career began to take off. He quickly became a popular figure on the local jazz scene. In 1953, he made his first recordings as a conductor at the Chet Baker Quartet. The group’s self-titled album was released the following year.
Baker continued to release albums throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Some of his more famous albums from this period include Shit (1958), It May Happen to You (1959), and My Favorite Things (1963).
In 1964, Baker suffered from a severe heroin addiction which caused him to miss several years of performances and recording sessions. However, he eventually returned in the 1970s with a series of albums labeled CTI. These albums displayed a more mature and refined sound from Baker.
Throughout his career, Baker has won numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Chet Baker’s Best Albums: A Comprehensive List
Now that we’ve taken a look at who Chet Baker was, let’s dive into our list of his best albums!
Chet (1958)
This album is considered one of Baker’s best works from his previous years. It features playing alongside jazz greats such as Herbie Mann, Paul Desmond, Pepper Adams, Bill Evans and Philly Joe Jones. The album includes the tracks “Alone Together”, “Look for the Silver Lining” and “But Not For Me”.
It could happen to you (1959)
This album is another classic from Baker’s early years. He plays alongside saxophonist Jerry Mulligan. The album includes the tracks “It Might Happen to You,” “Funny Valentine,” and “I Understand Without You Very Well.”
My Favorite Things (1963)
This album was recorded live at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. Becker Performance features a blend of original standards and formulas. The album includes the tracks “My Favorite Things”, “Round Midnight” and “The Thrill Is Gone”.
She Was Too Good For Me (1974)
This album was recorded during Baker’s comeback in the 1970s. It features him playing alongside greats like Ron Carter, George Benson, and Jack Dijonnet. The album includes tracks “She Was Too Good To Me”, “Fair Weather” and “I Remember Clifford”.
Best Chet Baker Songs (1986)
This compilation album features some of Baker’s best vocal performances throughout his career. The album includes the tracks “My Funny Valentine”, “Summertime” and “But Not For Me”.
Songs to listen to if you’re new (to his music)
If you are new to Chet Baker’s music, here are some of the songs we suggest you check out:
- “My Funny Valentine”
- “Look for the Silver Lining”
- “But not for me.”
- “I live very well without you”
- “alone together”
- “It could happen to you”
- “It was too good for me”
- “He went out of suspense”
- “the summer”
More artists like Chet Baker
Some other artists that Chet Baker fans might enjoy are Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Wes Montgomery. If you’re looking for more modern trumpet players, you might want to check out Ambrose Akenmoser or Terence Blanchard.
Final notes
This concludes our list of the best Chet Baker albums all times. We hope you enjoyed it and found something new to listen to. Whether you’re a new fan or a long-time listener, there’s sure to be something you’ll love on this list!
Do you have a favorite Chet Baker album? Let us know in the comments below.
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