Wintertijd

Bertje, that's jazz III

One of the jazz records I've been listening to most over the past two years is one by Chet Baker. Chet Baker is someone who's been considered a second- or even third class jazz musician, and everyone is always comparing him to Miles Davis, and many people say he's a wee short of the mark in his lyricism. Now I wouldn't be me if I didn't disagree.

Firstly, aside from moments of brilliance, Miles has produced a lot of crap in his life time too, but secondly I think that Chet Baker's detached, cool swing sound hits the spot for me, even if it isn't as "complex" as some other contemporary trumpet-players. I again refer to walking down the hill as opposed to running.

All this aside, I think that Chet Baker is a thouroughly enjoyable singer. The album that taught me that was "It could happen to you - Chet Baker Sings". However the soundtrack to the movie "Let's get lost" is also quite good. It was hard for me to choose a track from "It could happen to you" though, because 9 out of 10 tracks are utterly brilliant. His fragile yet cool voice and simple delivery are quite remarkable, and the backing band produces a driving swing that even makes the ballads head-boppers.

Now his voice and delivery are something that many people might have to get used to, but I love it. Then again, I've been known to like such strange things as Donald Fagen's singing. But on this album it all just all works. The swing, the cool, the driving rhythms and his timing on the vocals as well as certain intervals he chooses just really cook up a jazz record that suits most moods I can think of ever having. And every standard he renders instantly becomes owned by Chet, which is quite the accomplishment in and of itself.

As said, it was a difficult choice. "Do it the hard way", "The more I see you", "Everything happens to me" "Dancing on the Ceiling" (no, *not* the fucking awful Lionel Ritchie song), and for that matter the rest of the album are just great tracks. But I wanted to pick one that features both Chet's singing and his trumpet playing. So I'm kind of hoping I picked th right one. You tell me.

Please enjoy You're driving me crazy by Chet Baker. I never said *all* white people were clueless when it comes to Jazz. As far as I'm concerned, this track has pretty much got all it's about nailed down.

Posted by Chris at August 31, 2005 12:29 AM