Throughout the 1950s
Chet Baker gained fame as a quiet, low-register trumpeter with a cool tone and a relaxed style. This CD should therefore be a major surprise to listeners who believe he was incapable of playing heated material, or of utilizing the upper register of his horn. Assisted by a fine European sextet (including
Bobby Jaspar on tenor and flute and guitarist
Rene Thomas),
Baker is heard in peak form throughout this memorable and frequently exciting bop date. [Originally issued as
Chet Is Back!.] ~ Scott Yanow