Search - Chet Baker :: Sings

"For That Old, Old Feeling . . . Is Still In My Heart"

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 07/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""You'll hear Chet Baker's trumpet as well as his voice on some of these songs; that's hardly startling, but it is startling to discover a voice and a horn of such quality with but a single source. Chet Baker has turned out to be a musician with such a wonderfully nice voice, it is a problem whether to speak of him as a 'trumpet player who also sings' or as a 'singer who also plays trumpet'." ~ Gerald Heard, Liner Notes ~



To me Chet Baker will always be famously known as the "trumpet player who also sings." This CD speaks of him more of a singer for this is the only album he was featured not only as a trumpet player but also as a singer. He superbly interpreted fourteen of the best standards of all-time with his soft and mellow voice and his wonderfully captivating trumpet playing. He was ably supported by Russ Freeman on piano and celeste, James Bond and Carson Smith on bass, Peter Littman, Lawrence Marable and Bob Neel on drums.



This CD will never disappoint the listeners for this is one of his best recordings. Its repertoire includes an impressive collection of great standards penned by George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne, Jim Van Heusen, Johnny Burke, Hoagy Carmichael, Mack Gordon, Harry Warren, Frank Loesser, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart and many others. The best tracks for me include such lovely and timeless standard as Les Brown and Sammy Fain's "That Old Feeling."



"There'll be no new romance for me

It's foolish to start

For that old feeling is still in my heart."



You will also be pleased to hear "Like Someone In Love," "But Not For Me," "My Funny Valentine," "Time After Time" and my very highlight - one of my ultimate favorites from the pens of Mack Gordon and Harry Warren - "There Will Never Be Another You."



With my heartfelt recommendation for your listening pleasure now and forever!"

Chet could sell a song without even trying--BRAVO, CHET BAKE

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chet Baker had a voice that was very easy on the ear; and that voice of his also had just a touch of vulnerability to make it very special to his adoring audiences. Chet sings some very good numbers on this album and that's grand. Russ Freeman's musicians don't let us down, either! The quality of the sound is excellent and I really like that artwork, too.



"That Old Feeling" has Chet singing rather sweetly; he delivers this with panache and I'm impressed. "That Old Feeling" gets a rather jazzy arrangement and it works very well for Chet's rendition of this ballad. I always liked "That Old Feeling;" and Chet makes it sound very fresh and new. Great! "Like Someone In Love" gets a very sensitive treatment from Chet who sings this to perfection and beyond! Chet never sings a superfluous note; and the piano arrangement is very elegant as well. "My Ideal" uses the percussion very nicely; and Chet delivers this well. Chet handles complex key and tempo changes like the pro he always was--and he's right there front and center, too.



"I've Never Been In Love Before" is yet another most romantic tune that Chet infuses with great emotion as he wears his heart on his sleeve; and I really like "My Buddy." How's about that horn solo? In addition, "But Not For Me" shines bright; Chet swings gently to make this number a standout on the album and I could never tire of hearing Chet perform "But Not For Me."



"I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes)" is a very tender ballad; that xylophone works well and Chet sings this faultlessly. Chet uses that vulnerability in his voice to really make his performance all the better. Of course, "My Funny Valentine" is a major highlight of this album; Chet delivers this as only a true master ever could. Chet's incredible sense of timing amazes me and the gentle music that goes along fits in perfectly with Chet's vocals.



"The Thrill Is Gone" has Chet Baker squarely front and center--right where he belongs! I really like "The Thrill Is Gone;" Chet performs this wonderfully and that horn makes the music very beautiful. "I Fall In Love Too Easily" shines brighter than silver and gold when Chet sings it; and the album ends very well with Chet Baker performing a very classic pop vocal entitled "Look For The Silver Lining." "Look For The Silver Lining" gets an upbeat melody and the tempo is just right for this ballad. Chet aces this last tune as effortlessly as if it were just breathing. Of course, it really wasn't that easy; but Chet's talents always carried him through.



Chet Baker fans will want this CD; it really highlights his fine talents as a singer in particular. This is also a great starter CD for people just discovering the artistry of the great Chet Baker.

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