This unique set, recorded in Rome in 1962, finds trumpeter Chet Baker playing in an uncharacteristically bold and vigorous manner. In part, the change may be attributed to the stable of musicians Baker plays with here--a hard-bop-happy sextet that really lights a fire under the icon of "West Coast cool." When the set kicks off with a simmering rendition of Thelonious Monk's "Well You Needn't," with Baker's playing pushing lyrically against the composition's frantic, angular rhythms to great effect, the listener knows THE ITALIAN SESSIONS will be no ordinary, laid-back outing.
Though superb readings of "These Foolish Things" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" allow Baker to display his trademark command of subtlety and grace (both are gorgeous, flowing ballads), THE ITALIAN SESSIONS is mostly driven by an urgent intensity. Charlie Parker's "Barbados" and Sonny Rollins's "Pent-Up House" have a taut, fun-loving energy rarely seen in Baker's work. The company plays impressively, with notable contributions from tenor saxophonist and flautist Bobby Jaspar and guitarist Rene Thomas (the presence of electric guitar is another unusual and welcome addition to Baker's sound). In terms of tone, attack, and the wealth of inventive ideas, this record presents some of the most assured playing of Baker's career. (by cduniverse)
Down Beat (3/97, p.59) - 3.5 Stars (out of 5) - "...Most striking is how far out-front Baker is; there's little of his trademark coyness--he's biting, surging and damn powerful..."
Down Beat (8/90) - 4 Stars (out of 5) - "...Baker rarely sounded more playful or in better lip..."
JazzTimes (4/97, pp.73-74) - "...On this particular 1962 day...Chet was rarin' to go; his chops were on target and his improvisational skills were never sharper....Forget the allusions to James Dean or the strung-out cultural icon. Here is Baker as the consummate jazz musician doing some serious blowing..."
Though superb readings of "These Foolish Things" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" allow Baker to display his trademark command of subtlety and grace (both are gorgeous, flowing ballads), THE ITALIAN SESSIONS is mostly driven by an urgent intensity. Charlie Parker's "Barbados" and Sonny Rollins's "Pent-Up House" have a taut, fun-loving energy rarely seen in Baker's work. The company plays impressively, with notable contributions from tenor saxophonist and flautist Bobby Jaspar and guitarist Rene Thomas (the presence of electric guitar is another unusual and welcome addition to Baker's sound). In terms of tone, attack, and the wealth of inventive ideas, this record presents some of the most assured playing of Baker's career. (by cduniverse)
Down Beat (3/97, p.59) - 3.5 Stars (out of 5) - "...Most striking is how far out-front Baker is; there's little of his trademark coyness--he's biting, surging and damn powerful..."
Down Beat (8/90) - 4 Stars (out of 5) - "...Baker rarely sounded more playful or in better lip..."
JazzTimes (4/97, pp.73-74) - "...On this particular 1962 day...Chet was rarin' to go; his chops were on target and his improvisational skills were never sharper....Forget the allusions to James Dean or the strung-out cultural icon. Here is Baker as the consummate jazz musician doing some serious blowing..."
Alternate frontcover
Trumpeter Chet Baker had many sides and moods, and his emotions surely colored the outcome of his recordings or concerts. On this particular 1962 day in Rome, however, Chet was rarin' to go; his chops were on target and his improvisational skills were never sharper. This reissue presents a hard-bop Baker, and the few first few notes of the opener, Monk's "Well You Needn't," set the tone. This is a side of Chet that is best remembered. Forget the allusions to James Dean or the strung-out cultural icon. Here is Baker as the consummate jazz musician doing some serious blowing.
He is joined by Bobby Jaspar on tenor and flute, Rene Thomas on guitar, Amadeo Tommassi on piano, Benoit Quersin on bass, and Daniel Humair on drums-cats that Baker hadn't recorded with, but with whom he found immediate communication. Listen to his interplay with Jaspar and Thomas on "Pent-Up House," or Tommassi's work on "Blues in the Closet." There's a constant drive to the music, with Baker shining on standards such as "Over the Rainbow," "These Foolish Things," and Birds' "Barbados."
The solos are exceptional, to the point, and relevant. Baker, to be sure, is lyrical as he can only be, but there's an added edge to these sets that make his riffs longer, stronger, and full of horsepower.
Since Chet died in 1988, his recordings have never been more popular or more prolific. Many, perhaps most, are excellent and worthy of a place in your collection. If space is a problem, though, and you only have room for a few, The Italian Sessions would be a recommended choice. (by David Zych)
The solos are exceptional, to the point, and relevant. Baker, to be sure, is lyrical as he can only be, but there's an added edge to these sets that make his riffs longer, stronger, and full of horsepower.
Since Chet died in 1988, his recordings have never been more popular or more prolific. Many, perhaps most, are excellent and worthy of a place in your collection. If space is a problem, though, and you only have room for a few, The Italian Sessions would be a recommended choice. (by David Zych)
This album was original released as "Chet Is Back" by RCA Records
Personnel:
Chet Baker (trumpet)
Daniel Humair (drums)
Bobby Jaspar (saxophone, flute)
Benoit Quersin (bass)
Amedeo Tommasi (piano)
René Thomas (guitar)
Original frontcover
Tracklist:
01. Well, You Needn't (Monk) 6.23
02. These Foolish Things (Link/Marvell/Strachey) 4.56
03. Barbados (Parker) 826
04. Star Eyes (Raye/DePaul) 6.58
05. Over The Rainbow (Arlen) 3.30
06. Pent-Up House (Rollins) 6.51
07. Ballata In Forma Di Blues (Tomamasi) 10.06
08. Blues In The Closet (Pettiford) 7.41
ARMU 2289 (zippyshare)