The Tivoli Road Baker

Benny Goodman was the first celebrated bandleader of the Swing Era, dubbed "The King of Swing," his popular emergence marking the beginning of the era. He was an accomplished clarinetist whose distinctive playing gave an identity both to his big band and to the smaller units he led simultaneously. The most popular figure of the first few years of the Swing Era, he continued to perform until his death 50 years later. Goodman was the son of Russian immigrants David Goodman, a tailor, and Dora Rezinsky Goodman. He first began taking clarinet lessons at ten at a synagogue, after which he joined the band at Hull House, a settlement home.

The unforgettable Chet Baker Sings put Baker on the map not just as a brilliant trumpeter, but also as a talented vocalist. This album was a revelation at the time and won Baker new fame and a new audience, which was less familiar with jazz than with pop music. The reasons are quite clear: Chet’s voice is tender and beautiful, and at the same time his phrasing always swings and surprises.

This fine sampler has music from most of the periods of trumpeter Chet Baker's career, programmed in chronological order. Baker is heard with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet ("Freeway"), leading his own quartet with pianist Russ Freeman (including "My Funny Valentine"), and on selections from 1964, 1965, 1977, and 1983 ("Stella By Starlight" with Stan Getz). Although far from complete, this CD does give listeners a good glimpse at Baker's playing and singing (he takes vocals on eight of the 13 numbers) and does not shy away from his underrated late-period work.

The unforgettable Chet Baker Sings put Baker on the map not just as a brilliant trumpeter, but also as a talented vocalist. This album was a revelation at the time and won Baker new fame and a new audience, which was less familiar with jazz than with pop music. The reasons are quite clear: Chet’s voice is tender and beautiful, and at the same time his phrasing always swings and surprises.