Chet Baker's 1958 recording session debut for Riverside Records resulted in this album, which offers a modern, hipper take on standards like 'Old Devil Moon', 'You're Driving Me Crazy' and 'How Long Has This Been Going On?' 'Chet Baker Sings...' is unique in that the nimble artist sets aside his trumpet in several of the tracks, using only his vocals, and even scatting some of the improvised solos in a style that sounds very much like his lyrical trumpet playing.
Chesney Henry "Chet" Baker Jr. was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist. He is known for major innovations in cool jazz that led him to be nicknamed the "Prince of Cool". It follows a formula similar to two other Baker albums, Chet Baker Sings (1954) and Chet Baker Sings and Plays with Bud Shank, Russ Freeman & Strings (recorded in 1955, released in 1964) in which he sings traditional pop standards in a jazzy fashion. Unlike the aforementioned records, on It Could Happen to You, on a few tracks, Baker plays no trumpet whatsoever, opting to scat in place of an instrumental solo.
The roller-coaster career of trumpeter Chet Baker included an early rise to fame during the mid-1950s, beginning with his key role in the Gerry Mulligan Quartet. That period included much popular success as a singer. Accordingly, his four-album stay with Riverside at the end of that decade began with a record that, although it does include some instrumental solos, focuses primarily on his vocals. Like most of Baker’s Riverside work, this is an uneven album, but it features some strong support by pianist Kenny Drew, and on the most successful numbers (among them three Rodgers & Hart compositions) offers clear indication of Chet’s individuality and effectiveness.
Recorded with Kenny Drew, George Morrow, Sam Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Dannie Richmond.
Album Originally Released On November 3, 1958
Chet Baker Sings: It Could Happen To You
Tracklist:
- Do It The Hard Way 2:57
- I'm Old Fashioned 5:00
- You're Driving Me Crazy 2:52
- It Could Happen To You 2:48
- My Heart Stood Still 3:24
- The More I See You 3:01
- Everything Happens To Me 5:01
- Dancing On The Ceiling 3:05
- How Long Has This Been Going On? 4:06
- Old Devil Moon 2:54
Chet Baker: Vocals, Trumpet
Kenny Drew: Piano
Sam Jones: Bass
George Morrow: Bass
Philly Joe Jones: Drums
Dannie Richmond: Drums
The Tape Album Released in collaboration with Ermitage Distribution. All Hemiolia Records's Master Tapes born from the collaboration with Ermitage Distribution are producing using as a source exclusively Production Masters (First Generation) in Stereo, 2 tracks - 1/4”, SM900 RTM tape.
- Recorded August, 1958 At Reeves Sound Studios, New York City, USA - Recording Engineer: Jack Higgins
- Original session produced by Bill Grauer Productions Inc. - Originally released Riverside Records © 1958
- Remastered Hemiolia’s Stereo Edition by Pietro Benini (April 2023)
Chet Baker Sings: It Could Happen To You - Remastered by Pietro Benini - Hemiolia Records 2023 - Made in Italy
