Chet Baker: The Very Best

Chet Baker's recordings for the Pacific Jazz label have gained such legendary tenure that they have practically come to define the L.A. cool jazz scene of the mid-'50s. The Pacific Jazz Years is a four-CD compilation that highlights over three and a half hours of Baker's fluid trumpet and supple vocal work. Over the five-year span (1952-1957) documented on this collection, Baker was incorporated into several unique musical unions. Perhaps the most intriguing were the combos that included Baker and Gerry Mulligan (baritone sax). Among the tracks represented by this short-lived band is the classic "My Funny Valentine," "Freeway," and "My Old Flame." Highlights from Baker's vocal sessions are also included. "Let's Get Lost," "You Don't Know What Love Is," "Grey December," and "But Not for Me" are among the tracks that also feature the Baker-led quartet of Russ Freeman (piano), Carson Smith (bass), and Bob Neel (drums). Likewise, there are several key tracks from the underrated quintet that teamed Baker with Phil Urso (tenor sax) and Art Pepper (alto sax). For hardcore enthusiasts, The Pacific Jazz Years offers several previously unissued sides. "Come Out Wherever You Are," "What's New," and "Half Nelson" are from a June 1953 performance of the legendary Stan Getz/Chet Baker quintet at The Haig in Los Angeles. Additionally, there is a 17-plus-minute live version of "All the Things You Are" that also features Baker and Getz with Freeman, Smith, and Shelly Mann (drums). Accompanying the four-disc set is a 40-page booklet that includes Baker's complete discography and the ageless photography of William Claxton, as well as an informative essay from noted jazz author Ted Giola. The Pacific Jazz Years is an ideal primer for both the curious as well as the Chet Baker collector.