Chet Baker Sextet features tracks recorded by trumpeter
Chet Baker in 1954 and 1957 for the Pacific Jazz label and released over the years on various albums, including the original Playboys date. These are stellar "West Coast"-style tracks reminiscent of the small group work
Baker did with saxophonist Jerry Mulligan and featuring first class arrangements by
Jack Montrose and
Bob Zieff. However, the
Zieff cuts feature an unusual for the period chamber-style group with French horn, bassoon, cello, bass clarinet, and bass. The result was softly angular and very modern for the time. Interestingly most of the tracks have remained largely unavailable until this collection. While there are far more influential
Baker albums from the '50s,
Sextet is a beautiful album and a must-hear for
Baker aficionados. ~ Matt Collar