The lyricism of Chet Baker, one of the most important post-war trumpet player, cannot be doubted because Chet in his musical
expressions remains as a singer and musicians essentially romantic. He fits beautifully into a context created around him and for him, a
context that finds in the sonority of his trumpet or in the opacity of his voice a leading element, dominator and at the same time attractive
and fascinating.
Chet with the valid help of the two arrangers Ezio Leoni and Giulio Libano has found a fusion of language related to the expression and
atmosphere, it’s difficult to find flaws or mistakes in this album.
The songs on this record are aimed at everyone: jazz fans and those who are not very familiar with jazz. Chet has overcome the barrier
that normally divides the two classes of purchasers for the vinyl, he has been able to link, without however giving up a millimeter from
what are his fundamental canons of expression, the romantic line of the bows and his introverted and precise jazz expression. For Ezio
Leoni and Giulio Libano the work ground with Chet has been smoothed out: there was no need to build beyond measure, it was
important to expand, enhance and galvanize what Chet wanted to express.
There is no doubt that they found a simple, successful and effective technique in structuring the album. They have alternated lyrical
songs with more stringent and lively tracks. With the continuous alternation of times, expressions and atmospheres they made sure to
avoid any monotony. In accordance with Chet they built a great and selected formation made up of the best Italian jazz musicians. The
orchestra that recorded the album was consisted of 16 violins, 4 violas, 4 cellos, a flute, a bass clarinet, an oboe, a French horn, a harp
which matched with Glauco Massetti’s alto sax, Fausto Papetti’s baritone sax, Mario Pezzotta’s trombone, Gianni Basso’s tenor sax,
Franco Cerri’s double bass, Gene Victory’s drums. An imposing orchestra that was able to mix perfectly and alternate purely jazzy
instruments with strings during the performances.
The repertoire included in the album ranges a lot: from well-known motifs such as “Angel Eyes”, “When I Fall In Live” or “I Should Care”,
to others less known but very pleasant tracks such as “The Song Is You” or “Forgetful”. Other tracks lend themselves perfectly to a wider
orchestration such as “Autumn In New York”, “Violets for Your Fur” or “Deep in A Dream”. Another theme was treated with a thrifty
intervention of the strings, almost a crown of the whole performance, represented by the recording “Street of Dreams”. In the last track
“Good-bye” of Side “A” Chet expresses an exceptional sadness in a very valid and unusual way.
The tracks were recorded on September 28, 1958 and October 5, 1959 at the Guertler Bros. recording studio.
Formazione/Personnel: Chet Baker (tp) – Mario Pezzotta (tb) – Giauco Masetti (as) – Gianni Basso (ts) – Fausto Papetti (bars) – Giulio
Libano (p, cel) – Franco Cerri (b)

Reissued in limited edition on clear red vinyl

Stampato in edizione limitata 100 copie, vinile rosso trasparente