The Art of the Ballad

by Chet Baker

Product Description:

Personnel includes: Chet Baker (vocals, trumpet, flugelhorn); Zoot Sims (alto & tenor saxophones); Herbie Mann (tenor saxophone, flute); George Coleman (tenor saxophone); Pepper Adams (baritone saxophone); Al Haig, Renato Sellani, Bill Evans, Kirk Lightsey, Bob Corwin, Kenny Drew (piano); Kenny Burrell (guitar); Paul Chambers, Franco Serri, Herman Wright, Earl May, George Morrow (bass); Philly Joe Jones, Gene Victory, Connie Kay, Roy Brooks, Clifford Jarvis (drums).

Recorded between 1958 and 1965. Includes liner notes by Paul de Barros.

Digitally remastered by Kirk Felton (1998, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).

This is part of Prestige's The Art Of The Ballad series.

The ballad was jazz trumpeter and vocalist Chet Baker's specialty; much of his recording career was devoted to the exploration of jazz standards. This extremely romantic compilation brings together tracks of this ilk from the late '50s and mid '60s, many of the recordings being made overseas.

Baker's approach is extremely natural, melodic, and deceptively, disarmingly simple. He plays in clear toned, spacey, lyrical lines that ever so subtly twist the melodies, and sings barely above a whisper on the last two of the 13 tracks in straight toned, haunted phrases that echo his trumpet work. Highlights here include a dreamy version of "Alone Together" with a star-studded line up that includes Pepper Adams, Bill Evans, and Herbie Mann; a swinging "When Lights Are Low"; and a sweet and sultry "Indian Summer." THE ART OF THE BALLAD is perfect romantic late night listening.