Baker earned much attention and critical praise through the 1950s, particularly for albums featuring his vocals (Chet Baker Sings, It Could Happen to You). Jazz historian David Gelly described the promise of Baker's early career as "James Dean, Sinatra, and Bix, rolled into one." His well-publicized drug habit also drove his notoriety and fame, Baker was in and out of jail frequently before enjoying a career resurgence in the late 1970s and '80s.
Baker was born and raised in a musical household in Yale, Oklahoma; his father, Chesney Baker, Sr., was a professional guitar player, and his mother, Vera (née Moser) was a talented pianist who worked in a perfume factory. His maternal grandmother, Randi Moser, was Norwegian. Baker began his musical career singing in a church choir. His father introduced him to brass instruments with a trombone, which was replaced with a trumpet when the trombone proved too large.
Baker received some musical education at Glendale Junior High School, but left school at age 16 in 1946 to join the United States Army. He was posted to Berlin, where he joined the 298th Army band. After leaving the army in 1948, he studied theory and harmony at El Camino College in Los Angeles. He dropped out in his second year, however, re-enlisting in the army in 1950. Baker became a member of the Sixth Army Band at the Presidio in San Francisco, but was soon spending time in San Francisco jazz clubs such as Bop City and the Black Hawk. Baker once again obtained a discharge from the army to pursue a career as a professional musician.
Baker's earliest notable professional gigs were with saxophonist Vido Musso's band, and also with tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, though he earned much more renown in 1952 when he was chosen by Charlie Parker to play with him for a series of West Coast engagements.
In 1952, Baker joined the Gerry Mulligan Quartet, which was an instant phenomenon. Several things made the Mulligan/Baker group special, the most prominent being the interplay between Mulligan's baritone sax and Baker's trumpet. Rather than playing identical melody lines in unison like bebop giants Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, the two would complement each other's playing with contrapuntal touches, and it often seemed as if they had telepathy in anticipating what the other was going to play next. The Quartet's version of "My Funny Valentine", featuring a Baker solo, was a hit, and became a tune with which Baker was intimately associated.
The Quartet found success quickly, but lasted less than a year because of Mulligan's arrest and imprisonment on drug charges. Baker formed his own quartet with pianist and composer Russ Freeman in 1953, along with bassists Carson Smith, Joe Mondragon, and Jimmy Bond and drummers Shelly Manne, Larry Bunker, and Bob Neel. The Chet Baker Quartet found success with their live sets, and they released a number of popular albums between 1953 and 1956. In 1953 and 1954, Baker won the Down Beat and Metronome magazines' Readers Jazz Polls, beating the era's two top trumpeters, Miles Davis and Clifford Brown. Down Beat readers also voted Baker as the top jazz vocalist in 1954. In 1956, Pacific Jazz released Chet Baker Sings, a record that increased his profile but alienated traditional jazz fans; he would continue to sing throughout his career.
Due to Baker's chiseled features, he was approached by Hollywood studios, and he made his acting debut in the film Hell's Horizon, released in the fall of 1955. He declined an offer of a studio contract, preferring life on the road as a musician. Over the next few years, Baker fronted his own combos, including a 1955 quintet featuring Francy Boland, where Baker combined playing trumpet and singing. In 1956 Chet Baker completed an eight month tour of Europe, where he recorded Chet Baker In Europe.
He became an icon of the West Coast "cool school" of jazz, helped by his good looks and singing talent. Baker's 1956 recording, released for the first time in its entirety in 1989 as The Route, with Art Pepper, helped further the West Coast jazz sound and became a staple of cool jazz.
Baker began using heroin in the 1950s, resulting in an addiction that lasted the remainder of his life. At times, Baker pawned his instruments for money to maintain his drug habit. In the early 1960s, he served more than a year in prison in Italy on drug charges; he was later expelled from both West Germany and the United Kingdom for drug-related offenses. Baker was eventually deported from West Germany to the United States after running afoul of the law there a second time. He settled in Milpitas in northern California, where he played in San Jose and San Francisco between short jail terms served for prescription fraud.
In 1968, Baker was savagely beaten (allegedly while attempting to buy drugs) after a gig in The Trident restaurant in Sausalito, California sustaining severe cuts on the lips and broken front teeth, which ruined his embouchure. He stated in the film Let's Get Lost that an acquaintance attempted to rob him one night but backed off, only to return the next night with a group of several men who chased him. He entered a car and became surrounded. Instead of rescuing him, the people inside the car pushed him back out onto the street, where the chase by his attackers continued, and subsequently he was beaten to the point that his teeth, never in good condition to begin with, were knocked out, leaving him without the ability to play his horn. He took odd jobs, among them pumping gas. Meanwhile he was fitted for dentures and worked on his embouchure. Three months later he got a gig in New York City.
Between 1966 and 1974, Baker mostly played flugelhorn and recorded music that could mostly be classified as West Coast jazz.
After developing a new embouchure resulting from dentures, Baker returned to the straight-ahead jazz that began his career. He relocated to New York City and began performing and recording again, including with guitarist Jim Hall. Later in the 1970s, Baker returned to Europe, where he was assisted by his friend Diane Vavra, who took care of his personal needs and otherwise helped him during his recording and performance dates.
From 1978 until his death in 1988, Baker resided and played almost exclusively in Europe, returning to the USA roughly once a year for a few performances. This was Baker's most prolific era as a recording artist. However, as his extensive output is strewn across numerous, mostly small European labels, none of these recordings ever reached a wider audience, even though many of them were well received by critics, who maintain that the period was one of Baker's most mature and rewarding. Of particular importance are Baker's quartet featuring the pianist Phil Markowitz (1978–80) and his trio with guitarist Philip Catherine and bassist Jean-Louis Rassinfosse (1983–85).[citation needed] He also toured with saxophonist Stan Getz during this period.
In 1983, British singer Elvis Costello, a longtime fan of Baker, hired the trumpeter to play a solo on his song "Shipbuilding", from the album Punch the Clock. The song exposed Baker's music to a new audience. Later, Baker often featured Costello's song "Almost Blue" (inspired by Baker's version of "The Thrill Has Gone") in his concert sets, and recorded the song for Let's Get Lost, a documentary film about his life.
The video material recorded by Japanese television during Baker's 1987 tour in Japan showed a man whose face looked much older than he was, but his trumpet playing was alert, lively and inspired. Baker recorded the live album Chet Baker in Tokyo with his quartet featuring pianist Harold Danko, bassist Hein van de Geyn and drummer John Engels less than a year before his death, and it was released posthumously. Silent Night, a recording of Christmas music, was recorded with Christopher Mason in New Orleans in 1986 and released in 1987.
Baker's compositions included "Chetty's Lullaby", "Freeway", "Early Morning Mood", "Two a Day", "So Che Ti Perderò" ("I Know I Will Lose You"), "Il Mio Domani" ("My Tomorrow"), "Motivo Su Raggio Di Luna" ("Tune on a Moon Beam"), "The Route", "Skidadidlin'", "New Morning Blues", "Blue Gilles", "Dessert", and "Anticipated Blues".
At about 3:10 am on May 13, 1988, Baker was found dead on the Prins Hendrikkade, near the Zeedijk, the street below his second-story room of Hotel Prins Hendrik in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with serious wounds to his head. Heroin and cocaine were found in his hotel room, and an autopsy also found these drugs in his body. There was no evidence of a struggle, and the death was ruled an accident. A plaque outside the hotel memorializes him and the room he was staying in, No. 210, is named "The Chet Baker Room".
Baker is buried at the Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.
- Baker was photographed by William Claxton for his book Young Chet: The Young Chet Baker. An Academy Award-nominated 1988 documentary about Baker, Let's Get Lost, portrays him as a cultural icon of the 1950s, but juxtaposes this with his later image as a drug addict. The film, directed by fashion photographer Bruce Weber, was shot in black-and-white and includes a series of interviews with friends, family (including his three children by third wife Carol Baker), associates and women friends, interspersed with film from Baker's earlier life, and with interviews with Baker from his last years.
- Time after Time: The Chet Baker Project, written by playwright James O'Reilly, toured Canada in 2001 to much acclaim. The musical play Chet Baker – Speedball explores aspects of his life and music, and was premiered in London at the Oval House Theatre in February 2007, with further development of the script and performances leading to its revival at the 606 Club in the London Jazz Festival of November 2007.
- Baker was reportedly the inspiration for the character Chad Bixby, played by Robert Wagner in the 1960 film All the Fine Young Cannibals. Another film, to be titled Prince of Cool, about Baker's life, was cancelled as of January 2008.
- In 1991, singer/songwriter David Wilcox recorded the song "Chet Baker's Unsung Swan Song" on his album Home Again, speculating on what might have been Baker's last thoughts before falling to his death. The song was later covered by k.d. lang as "My Old Addiction" on her 1997 album Drag.
- The song "Chet Baker", which appears on the 2007 CD Wally Page and Johnny Mulhern: Live at the Annesley House, by Irish folk singer-songwriter Wally Page, describes the end of Baker's life in Amsterdam.
- Jeroen de Valk has written a biography of Baker which is available in several languages: Chet Baker: His Life and Music is the English translation.
Other biographies include James Gavin's Deep In A Dream—The Long Night of Chet Baker, and Matthew Ruddick's Funny Valentine. Baker's "lost memoirs" are available in the book As Though I Had Wings, which includes an introduction by Carol Baker.
- He is portrayed by Ethan Hawke in the 2015 film Born to Be Blue.
- The Australian electronica musician Nicholas James Murphy chose Chet Faker as his stage name, in order to pay homage to Chet Baker, who was a big influence for him.
Honors
In 1987 Chet Baker was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.
In 1989 he was elected to Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame by that magazine's Critics Poll.
In 1991 he was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.
In 2005 Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry and the Oklahoma House of Representatives proclaimed July 2 as "Chet Baker Day".
In 2007 Mayor of the City of Tulsa, Kathy Taylor, proclaimed December 23 as "Chet Baker Day".
On October 10, 2015 Yale, Oklahoma held the inaugural Chet Baker Jazz Festival in Baker's honor.
Everything I Got Belongs to You
Chet Baker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's impolite
To stamp your foot at me
Is not quite right
At man's ingratitude
A woman winks
But such an attitude just stinks
I have words that do not come from children's books
there's a trick with a knife I'm learning to do
And everything I've got belongs to you
I've a powerful anesthesia in my fist
And the perfect wrist to give your neck a twist
There are hammerlock holds
I've mastered a few
And everything I've got belongs to you
Share for share, share alike
You get struck each time I strike
You for me- me for me
I'll give you plenty of nothing
I'm not yours for better but for worse
And I've learned to give the well-known witches' curse
I've a terrible tongue, a temper for two
And ev'rything I've got belongs to you
Don't raise your voice at me
That's very rude
To raise your voice at me
Is rather crude
It's wrong essentially when woman yells
And confidentially, it smells
I'll converse with you on politics at length
I'll protect you with my superhuman strength
If you're ever attacked I'll scream and say , "Boo!"
And everything I've got belongs to you
I will never stray from home, I'll just stay put
Cause I've got a brand-new thing called athlete' s foot
I'm a victim of colds, anemia, too
And everything I've got belongs to you
Off to bed we will creep
Then we'll sleep and sleep and sleep
Till the birds start to peep
I'll give you plenty of nothing
I'll be yours forever and a day
If the first good breeze does not blow me away
You're enough for one man, that's why I'll be true
And everything I've got belongs to you
You may have some things that I can't use at all
When I look at you, your manly gifts are small
I've a wonderful way of saying adieu
And everything I've got belongs to you
You won't know how good I am until you try
And you'll let my well of loneliness run dry
I've a marvelous way of telling you no
And everything I've got belongs to you
And everything you want belongs to me!
And everything you need belongs to me!
Life has no shape or form
And no design
It isn't life without
That fool of mine
I used to gad about
With any chap
And now I'm sad about my sap
He's a living thing that isn't quite alive
He has brains enough for any child of five
Oh, he isn't too rich in vigor and vim
But everything I've got belongs to him
He's a naughty brat that can't be left alone
He has eyes for every skirt except my own
Even under a tree, he grabs for the limb
But everything I've got belongs to him
Something beats in his chest
But it's just a pump at best
I'm for him, he's for him
He gives me plenty of nothing
When I see that funny face, I know
Something scared his mother twenty years ago
But I'll never let go, he'll never be free!
Till everything he's got belongs to me!
And everything I've got belongs to him!
And everything I've got belongs to us!
The lyrics to "Everything Depends On You" by Chet Baker & Kenny Burrell convey a complex and somewhat sarcastic dynamic between two individuals in a relationship. The song explores themes of power dynamics, dependency, and the flaws in each person's character.
The first verse talks about the consequences of disrespect. The singer emphasizes that stamping one's foot is impolite and not the right way to address someone. The line about ingratitude suggests that when a man displays an ungrateful attitude, a woman's response might be to wink, but the singer finds such an attitude to be distasteful.
The second verse highlights the singer's capabilities and possessions. They mention having eyes to give dirty looks and words that do not come from children's books, implying a certain level of maturity and cunning. The reference to a trick with a knife and powerful anesthesia in their fist suggests a potential for violence or manipulation. However, the line "everything I've got belongs to you" seems contradictory, indicating a willingness to give oneself completely to the other person.
The third verse continues this contradictory tone, as the singer talks about sharing everything, but the implications are not equal. The line "You get struck each time I strike" suggests that the other person experiences negative consequences whenever the singer does something harmful. The mention of the witches' curse and terrible tongue implies that the singer can be spiteful and hurtful. Still, they claim that everything they have belongs to the other person.
The fourth verse represents a shift in perspective. The singer tells the other person not to raise their voice, suggesting that it is rude and crude. They mention engaging in political conversations and proclaiming to protect the other person with their incredible strength. However, the mention of athlete's foot and their own physical ailments displays a sense of self-deprecation. Despite this, the singer promises loyalty, claiming they will always be true, and that everything they have belongs to the other person.
The follow-up lines in subsequent verses further showcase the sarcastic and critical nature of the lyrics. The singer suggests that the other person may have items or qualities they do not find useful. They express the ability to say goodbye skillfully and insist that everything they have belongs to the other person, highlighting their devotion. However, they also imply that everything the other person wants and needs belongs to them, adding an element of possessiveness and control.
The bridge of the song takes a reflective tone, suggesting that life without their partner lacks shape, form, and design. The mention of being sad about their own "sap" implies regret or disappointment in themselves for being involved with this person. The singer then goes on to describe their partner's qualities with a mix of affection and mockery. They explain that while their partner may lack certain qualities, they still hold a significant influence and claim on the singer's life.
In the final section, the singer's perspective shifts to a more assertive one. They mention the partner's funny face and speculate on something that scared their mother years ago, suggesting that their partner might have some emotional or psychological issues. Despite this, the singer declares their unwavering commitment and desire for control, stating that they will never let go until everything the partner has belongs to them.
In conclusion, "Everything Depends On You" offers a mix of ironic observations and intricate dynamics within a relationship. It explores the power struggles, flawed character traits, and unhealthy dependency evident between the two individuals involved.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't stamp your foot at me
It is impolite to show such aggression towards me.
It's impolite
Such behavior goes against the basic principles of manners.
To stamp your foot at me
Using physical gestures to express displeasure is not acceptable.
Is not quite right
It is morally wrong to display such behavior.
At man's ingratitude
Sometimes men fail to appreciate or acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices made by women.
A woman winks
In a situation where men fail to show gratitude, some women use their charm to gain attention.
But such an attitude just stinks
Nevertheless, this kind of attitude is disrespectful and offensive.
I have eyes for you to give you dirty looks
I have the ability to give you disapproving glares and judgmental stares.
I have words that do not come from children's books
My words can be harsh and may not be suitable for young ears.
There's a trick with a knife I'm learning to do
I am acquiring the skill to use a knife in a deceptive manner.
And everything I've got belongs to you
I am willing to give you everything that I possess.
I've a powerful anesthesia in my fist
I have the ability to inflict great numbness and pain with my clenched hand.
And the perfect wrist to give your neck a twist
I possess the ideal dexterity to swiftly twist your neck.
There are hammerlock holds I've mastered a few
I have achieved expertise in restraining techniques like the hammerlock.
Share for share, share alike
In a fair and equitable exchange, both parties should contribute equally.
You get struck each time I strike
Whenever I act or retaliate, you will face the consequences as well.
You for me- me for me
Our relationship revolves around our individual self-interest.
I'll give you plenty of nothing
I will provide you with empty promises and insincere gestures.
I'm not yours for better but for worse
I am committed to you, not only during good times but also during difficult times.
And I've learned to give the well-known witches' curse
I have acquired the skill to speak words of ill fate and misfortune.
I've a terrible tongue, a temper for two
I possess a sharp and hurtful way of speaking, and my anger can be overwhelming.
And ev'rything I've got belongs to you
I am willing to dedicate all that I have to you.
Don't raise your voice at me
Raising your voice towards me is impolite and disrespectful.
That's very rude
Such behavior lacks manners and displays a lack of courtesy.
To raise your voice at me
Using a louder tone of voice towards me is not acceptable behavior.
Is rather crude
It is uncivilized and lacks refinement.
It's wrong essentially when woman yells
A woman's act of shouting is fundamentally incorrect and inappropriate.
And confidentially, it smells
To be honest, it is offensive and distasteful.
I'll converse with you on politics at length
I am willing to engage in long conversations about political matters with you.
I'll protect you with my superhuman strength
I will use my extraordinary physical power to safeguard you.
If you're ever attacked I'll scream and say , 'Boo!'
In case you face any threat or harm, I will loudly shout and frighten the perpetrator.
And everything I've got belongs to you
Everything that I possess is at your disposal.
I will never stray from home, I'll just stay put
I will remain faithful and committed to our relationship without wandering away.
Cause I've got a brand-new thing called athlete's foot
However, I am dealing with a new condition called athlete's foot.
I'm a victim of colds, anemia, too
I frequently suffer from common colds and also have a deficiency of red blood cells.
And everything I've got belongs to you
All that I possess is dedicated entirely to you.
Off to bed we will creep
We will quietly and discreetly go to bed.
Then we'll sleep and sleep and sleep
We will indulge in deep and uninterrupted sleep.
Till the birds start to peep
Until the moment when the birds begin to chirp in the morning.
I'll give you plenty of nothing
I will continue to provide you with empty promises and insincere gestures.
I'll be yours forever and a day
I am committed to being yours for an eternity and even beyond.
If the first good breeze does not blow me away
Unless circumstances beyond my control take me away, I will remain loyal to you.
You're enough for one man, that's why I'll be true
You are sufficient to fulfill one man's needs, and that's why I will remain faithful.
And everything I've got belongs to you
All that I possess is devoted entirely to you.
You may have some things that I can't use at all
There may be possessions or qualities that you have which are of no benefit or interest to me.
When I look at you, your manly gifts are small
Upon observing you, I find that your masculine qualities hold little significance or value.
I've a wonderful way of saying adieu
I possess a skillful and charming manner of bidding farewell.
And everything I've got belongs to you
All that belongs to me is given entirely to you.
You won't know how good I am until you try
You will not realize the extent of my capabilities until you experience them firsthand.
And you'll let my well of loneliness run dry
Through your presence and companionship, you will alleviate my deep-seated loneliness.
I've a marvelous way of telling you no
I possess a remarkable skill in refusing or declining your requests.
And everything I've got belongs to you
All that I possess is entirely at your disposal.
And everything you want belongs to me!
I expect to have control and possession over everything that you desire.
And everything you need belongs to me!
I also anticipate having ownership and control over everything that you require for your well-being.
Life has no shape or form
Life is an abstract concept that cannot be physically defined or visualized.
And no design
It does not adhere to predetermined patterns or plans.
It isn't life without that fool of mine
However, life loses its essence and meaning without the presence of my loved one.
I used to gad about with any chap
Once upon a time, I used to freely socialize and spend time with any man.
And now I'm sad about my sap
But now, I am filled with sorrow and regret regarding my romantic partner.
He's a living thing that isn't quite alive
Although he is physically alive, his lack of enthusiasm and vitality makes him seem lifeless.
He has brains enough for any child of five
His intellect only matches that of a five-year-old child.
Oh, he isn't too rich in vigor and vim
His energy and enthusiasm levels are quite low.
But everything I've got belongs to him
However, despite his shortcomings, I am willing to give him all that I have.
He's a naughty brat that can't be left alone
He behaves mischievously and cannot be trusted to be unsupervised.
He has eyes for every skirt except my own
He shows romantic interest or attraction to every woman he encounters, except for me.
Even under a tree, he grabs for the limb
He is always seeking attention, even in the most inappropriate situations.
But everything I've got belongs to him
Despite his faults and shortcomings, I am willing to give him all that I possess.
Something beats in his chest
Though not the usual, there is some kind of activity in his heart.
But it's just a pump at best
However, it merely functions as an organ responsible for pumping blood.
I'm for him, he's for him
I remain dedicated to him, but he only looks after his own interests.
He gives me plenty of nothing
He provides me with empty promises and unfulfilled expectations.
When I see that funny face, I know
Upon witnessing his amusing countenance, I am aware
Something scared his mother twenty years ago
That something frightened his mother two decades ago and may have impacted his personality.
But I'll never let go, he'll never be free!
Despite the challenges and shortcomings, I will always hold on to him, and he will never truly experience freedom from our relationship.
Till everything he's got belongs to me!
I expect to gain control and possession of everything that he possesses.
And everything I've got belongs to him!
All that I possess is dedicated entirely to him.
And everything I've got belongs to us!
Together, we have mutual ownership and control over everything we possess.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ronnie Kahn
The first time I met Chet Baker, he was playing at a little neighborhood club called Strykers on 97th & Columbus Avenue on Manhattan's Upper West Side. He was coming back after years of an extended period of absence, having diligently devoted himself to re-learning to play trumpet with dentures, which everybody told him could not be done. But he persevered and prevailed, and this was one of his first comeback gigs. Awesome! I never heard any trumpet sound like that! I don't think it could ever be captured on a recording: So intimate tender innovative & personal...sometimes just whispering & breathing infinite silence space&timelessness into his trumpet...He just loved music & making music so deeeeeeeeeply & innately: just making the purest finest most beautiful sounds and blissful ethereal effects. Chet Baker was truly a great Maestro of the highest degree, a natural-born precocious musical genius like Mozart!
During the break I came up to Chet to thank & enthusiastically congratulate him. In my over-enthusiasm I started telling Chet how much I also dug & admired & had been imitating his singing for years, and automatically went into my little imitation of him singing “I Wish I Knew” till I caught myself & felt embarrassed & silly & said,“Oh no! Here I am doing my Chet Baker imitation for Chet Baker!” He just smiled & said “You don't look old enough to remember that record.” (1955 LP called “Chet Baker Sings& Plays")
He looked gaunt & emaciated, almost like a derelict. But his voice and manner were very polite mellow kind & refined, sensitive gentle very personable sweet good-natured & very likable, casual cultured & very well-bred. I asked him if he would sing during his second-set after the break. He thanked me for asking but apologized & explained why he really couldn't because he was working with just a bassist & drummer & no piano...
He excused himself when his band-mates summoned him to prepare for their second set. There were just a few other people at that very small dimly-lit cellar club that night. My date was a nice girl who had the same last name as me though we were otherwise unrelated, I barely remember her, but we were both blown-away by Chet!
When Chet came back from the break, he opened his set singing “Just Friends” Bless his heart! Still feels good that he honored my request & was singing just for me! His singing always kinda reminds me of Alfalfa from “Our Gang”
I still listen to Chet's music almost every day now, often listening to him continually all day long, and when I try listening to something else for a change, I find myself missing his familiar soothing sound which is so much an integral part of me, I find myself unable to listen to anything else & hafta sink right back into that sweet fine&mellow transcendent celestial atmosphere he creates so effortlessly & endlessly...
PS: I had given Chet my business card that night, and to my surprise & amazement—first thing in the morning--he called me! But that's another story for another time now...
Paulo Nideck
Man! He could really sing! This is by far the best I've heart of him singing, techical wise.
Donns Copman
Agree. He was in great form.
M.J. Leger
I have to agree with you, and I've heard probably most of his recordings, vocal and trumpet!
Paulo Nideck
Thank you so much for uploading this.
Ronnie Kahn
The first time I met Chet Baker, he was playing at a little neighborhood club called Strykers on 97th & Columbus Avenue on Manhattan's Upper West Side. He was coming back after years of an extended period of absence, having diligently devoted himself to re-learning to play trumpet with dentures, which everybody told him could not be done. But he persevered and prevailed, and this was one of his first comeback gigs. Awesome! I never heard any trumpet sound like that! I don't think it could ever be captured on a recording: So intimate tender innovative & personal...sometimes just whispering & breathing infinite silence space&timelessness into his trumpet...He just loved music & making music so deeeeeeeeeply & innately: just making the purest finest most beautiful sounds and blissful ethereal effects. Chet Baker was truly a great Maestro of the highest degree, a natural-born precocious musical genius like Mozart!
During the break I came up to Chet to thank & enthusiastically congratulate him. In my over-enthusiasm I started telling Chet how much I also dug & admired & had been imitating his singing for years, and automatically went into my little imitation of him singing “I Wish I Knew” till I caught myself & felt embarrassed & silly & said,“Oh no! Here I am doing my Chet Baker imitation for Chet Baker!” He just smiled & said “You don't look old enough to remember that record.” (1955 LP called “Chet Baker Sings& Plays")
He looked gaunt & emaciated, almost like a derelict. But his voice and manner were very polite mellow kind & refined, sensitive gentle very personable sweet good-natured & very likable, casual cultured & very well-bred. I asked him if he would sing during his second-set after the break. He thanked me for asking but apologized & explained why he really couldn't because he was working with just a bassist & drummer & no piano...
He excused himself when his band-mates summoned him to prepare for their second set. There were just a few other people at that very small dimly-lit cellar club that night. My date was a nice girl who had the same last name as me though we were otherwise unrelated, I barely remember her, but we were both blown-away by Chet!
When Chet came back from the break, he opened his set singing “Just Friends” Bless his heart! Still feels good that he honored my request & was singing just for me! His singing always kinda reminds me of Alfalfa from “Our Gang”
I still listen to Chet's music almost every day now, often listening to him continually all day long, and when I try listening to something else for a change, I find myself missing his familiar soothing sound which is so much an integral part of me, I find myself unable to listen to anything else & hafta sink right back into that sweet fine&mellow transcendent celestial atmosphere he creates so effortlessly & endlessly...
PS: I had given Chet my business card that night, and to my surprise & amazement—first thing in the morning--he called me! But that's another story for another time now...
Laura Mónica
Could you please continue the story?
M.J. Leger
Chet was a bit before my time, really, and then I was working myself so never got to see some of the greats perform, but I wish I could have heard him in person like you did, must have been solid gold! I love his music, as a musician myself, I can tell how innately talented he was, had a fine ear, sense of timing, the whole package. I hate that he had to go through what he did, it is sad, but we are thankful we have his recordings; I listen to him almost every day now. He has such a sensuous sound to his trumpet, AND vocal work! Such a pleasure to hear him perform. Oh sure, I hear a wrong note now and then, but he covers it up beautifully. Fine talent, he was, that Chet Baker!
rice withaspoon
.... so what happened then? its 2 years! you can't put this out there and not continue!!!!
Laurylie Polito
I I agree with Julian, would you please make that "story for another time" another time be soon?
Julian Zaltron
+Ronnie Kahn Hello MR Kahn. I was wondering if you could continue the story where you left off? He called...