The Chet Baker Sextet

Chet Baker

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The Chet Baker Sextet Review

by Matt Collar

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.

Track Listing

	Title/Composer	Performer	Time	Stream
1	Little Man, You've Had a Busy Day Al Hoffman / Maurice Sigler / Mabel Wayne	Chet Baker	04:45	Amazon
2	Dot's Groovy Jack Montrose	Chet Baker	04:34	Amazon
3	Stella by Starlight Ned Washington / Victor Young	Chet Baker	03:55	Amazon
4	Tommyhawk Johnny Mandel	Chet Baker	03:43	Amazon
5	I'm Glad There Is You Jimmy Dorsey / Paul Madeira	Chet Baker	03:14	Amazon
6	The Half Dozens Bill Holman	Chet Baker	02:23	Amazon
7	Dot's Groovy Jack Montrose	Chet Baker	03:09	Amazon
8	Stella by Starlight Ned Washington / Victor Young	Chet Baker	03:09	Amazon
9	A Minor Benign Bob Zieff	Chet Baker	04:20	Amazon
10	Ponder Bob Zieff	Chet Baker	04:27	Amazon
11	Twenties Late Bob Zieff	Chet Baker	05:41	Amazon
12	X Bob Zieff	Chet Baker	04:33	Amazon