Chet Baker & Strings (Mono)
ORDER LIMITED TO ONE ITEM PER CUSTOMER
Chet Baker (trumpet) [click here to see more vinyl featuring Chet Baker]
Zoot Sims (tenor saxophone) [click here to see more vinyl featuring Zoot Sims]
Jack Montrose (tenor saxophone)
Joe Mondragon (bass)
Shelly Manne (drums) [click here to see more vinyl featuring Shelly Manne]
Bud Shank (alto saxophone)
Russ Freeman (piano),
Arrangements by Johnny Mandel, Marty Paich, Jack Montrose, and Shorty Rogers
1 LP, standard sleeve
Limited edition
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Mono
Studio
Record Press : Pallas
Label : Pure Pleasure
Original Label : Columbia
Recorded on Dec 30, 1953 - Dec 31, 1953
Produced by Richard Bock
Remastered by Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London
Originally released in 1959
Reissued in July 2011
Tracks:
Side A :
2. I'm Thru With Love
3. Love Walked In
4. You Better Go Now
5. I Married An Angel
6. Love
7. You Don't Know What Love Is (alternate take)
8. You Better Go Now (alternate take)
Side B :
2. What A Diff'rence A Day Made
3. Why Shouldn't I
4. A Little Duet
5. The Wind
6. Trickeydiddlier
7. A Little Duet (alternate take)
Reviews:
« This release offers a unique glimpse of a young Chet Baker in a quintet setting, complemented by a nine-piece string section. Utilizing the uniquely modern arrangements of Johnny Mandel, Marty Paich, Jack Montrose, and Shorty Rogers, this interaction of "West Coast cool" with primordial elevator music escapes many -- if not indeed all -- of the potential sonic pitfalls such a marriage might suggest. In the truest sense of the word augmentation, the string arrangements provide the desired opulence sans the heavy-handed or syrupy residual effects. Perhaps most inspiring about this outing is the success with which Baker and crew are able to thrive in this environment, providing subtle insight into the quintet's ability to simultaneously adapt and explore. Chet Baker and Strings was recorded over three days in late 1953 and early 1954. Joining Baker (trumpet) on these sessions are Jack "Zoot" Sims (tenor sax), Jack Montrose (tenor sax), Russ Freeman (piano), Joe Mondragon (bass), Shelly Manne (drums), and Clifford "Bud" Shank (alto sax), who steps in for Sims on the 1954 date. "Love Walked In" incorporates a trademark volley of interaction between Baker and Sims. "Love" contains what is arguably the most successful implementation of the string section, as well as some stellar soloing by Freeman. In fact, his contributions to this particular recording rank among his finest with Baker and company. The same enthusiasm can likewise be applied to "A Little Duet for Zoot and Chet." Not only are Sims and Baker in top flight, but the string arrangement swings irresistibly as well. The easygoing and otherwise winding strings support the cool bop like a kite in a March breeze -- light, airy, and conspicuous only in altitude.“Tree of Life” is a step up in lyrics with a hopeful theme. Written by producer McDaniels, it was covered as well by Aretha Franklin. A gospel choir adds class and emotion. George Duke’s Moog synthesizer adds spacey effects to “Now” while Steve Gadd makes his presence felt on drums. The title track follows as Wilson preaches to the next generation of women including her daughter, born on July 4, 1975. The theme is helping to prepare our children for the future. » AllMusic Review by Lindsay Planer
Ratings :
AllMusic : 3 / 5 , Discogs : 4.09 / 5