Search - Chet Baker :: Chet for Lovers

Snuggle up with your sweetheart and listen

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 01/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chet For Lovers is a solid installment in the "For Lovers" CD series. Chet Baker knew how to sing and play the trumpet in such a way that it really tugged at your heartstrings; and this song set proves it. The artwork is very good even if it is rather standard for this CD series; and the quality of the sound is excellent.



The CD opens with Chet performing "There Is No Greater Love" and Chet Baker does this with panache. We next get a real gem as Chet performs "These Foolish Things." "These Foolish Things" is executed flawlessly; and the music is sublime. It has that smooth jazz flavor to it and it's perfect for late night slow dancing in your living room all alone with just your sweetheart. "These Foolish Things" is clearly a major highlight of this album. Similarly, look for Chet to really show his artistic ability on "Alone Together." "Alone Together" showcases Chet's trumpet playing and the percussion enhances the number even more--not that Chet needed it; but it does sound good.



"Tenderly" is another classic pop tune that gets the royal treatment from Chet Baker; and that's grand. Chet uses the trumpet in particular to give "Tenderly" a masterful treatment and this is another highlight of this album. Listen also for "Everything Depends On You;" Chet sings this with his incredible voice. Chet was really able to convey so much emotion whenever he sang a tune! "Autumn In New York" boasts a lush arrangement and has that smooth jazz flavor once again; "Autumn In New York" is a most romantic number as Chet and his crew perform this to perfection--and beyond!



"Easy Living" has Chet singing once again; and I really like "You Go To My Head." "You Go To My Head" is unforgettable when these champs do it with all their sensitivity and professionalism. "Crazy She Calls Me" has that remarkably fine trumpet playing again; Chet never plays a superfluous note.



"That Ole Devil Called Love" ends the CD with quite a flourish; "That Ole Devil Called Love" once again features Chet Baker and his buddies performing this like a dream.



Another reviewer notes that these tracks come from two recording sessions and they are right. We get numbers from the 1950s and more from the 1960s. This provides an interesting look at how Chet worked in both decades. He had a certain fragility in his voice that made his singing all the more wonderful.



Chet Baker will always be one of the great performers of the twentieth century. This is a great CD for his fans; and people who enjoy romantic classics will not be disappointed with this album. If you like this CD I suggest you try out other Chet Baker CDs available for sale on this website.

"

Easy, Cool, Jazz-Pop Make-out Music

Michael E. Hund | Buffalo, NY United States | 12/31/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"These songs are culled from just a couple of recording sessions, alternating on the CD. The earlier half are from two dates in October and November, 1955. The later half are from November, 1964 and May, 1965. There are no recording dates in-between these time periods, although the disc does a good job of switching back and forth between the decade's passage that seperates them.



As far as these Verve re-issues of 'for lovers' goes, this is still a fairly decent over-view of Chet Baker doing what Chet Baker did best. The occasional boy-man soft vocals lilting over cool jazz-pop background.



Not as original or innovative as other jazz greats, vocal and instrumental, Chet still built up a solid following and reputation at the crest of the avant-garde jazz movement throughout the early 50's and on.



If Chet Baker strikes your fancy, this is a good place to start your collection."