The first in Blue Note's
Jazz Profile
CD series, this sampler features trumpeter/vocalist
Chet Baker
, who never actually recorded for Blue Note; his Pacific Jazz recordings, however, are also owned by Blue Note's parent company EMI. All 11 selections on this set have been reissued on CD; although they are not quite definitive (no
"My Funny Valentine"
here), there is a great deal of fine music to be heard.
Baker
is featured in settings ranging from his quartet with
Russ Freeman
(taking four vocals) to medium-size groups with altoist
Herb Geller
and tenor/arranger
Jack Montrose
; plus, there is one appearance apiece for valve trombonist
Bob Brookmeyer
, altoist
Art Pepper
and tenorman
Phil Urso
. A good introduction to the cool-toned trumpeter in his early days, when he was also considered to be a heartthrob as a singer. ~ Scott Yanow