Chet Baker Jazz in Paris

In the summer of 1955, Chet Baker decided to go on a concert tour of Europe for a few weeks. He ended up staying there for more than six months, and his work and experiences during that time, which was mostly spent in Paris, should be crucial for his career and his life.

Recorded in stereo by Radio France at La Esplanade de La Défense (July 17, 1983) and Le Petit Opportun (February 7, 1984). Both concerts are distinguished by the dazzling playing of the virtuosic pianist Michel Graillier, who performed regularly with Baker’s combos from 1977 until Baker’s death in 1988.

Tracks 1-6 recorded at the Paris Festival, November 3, 1981. Tracks 7-8 recorded at Le Dreher club, June 1980. Featured Aldo Romano (bass), Pierre Michelot (drums), René Urtreger (piano).
A tragic figure with immense talent, both in his silvery fingered trumpet playing and his wonderfully soft and heartfelt voice. Chet Baker was a primary exponent of the West Coast school of cool jazz in the early and mid-'50s. As a trumpeter, he had a generally restrained, intimate playing style and he attracted attention beyond jazz for his photogenic looks and singing. But his career was marred by drug addiction. Baker's drug addiction caused him to lead a disorganized and peripatetic life, his constant need for cash requiring him to accept many ill-advised recording offers, while his undependability prevented him from making long-term commitments to record labels…