Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

12. Chet BakerThe Best Of Chet Baker Sings

This is more of a collection, rather than an album, I guess, but it’s a collection of songs I’ve listened to hundreds of times. I like jazz, but I don’t like all jazz. I like very specific jazz and Chet Baker falls into that category. I prefer Chat Baker’s versions of those old standards than any other version. It’s very straightforward, there’s no frills, it’s very direct. The way that he sings is the way that he plays. His voice kind of sounds the way that he plays the trumpet. It’s really clean and clear sounding. Not too heavy. It’s very straightforward, but with feeling. All the words that I’m using to describe it might sound derogatory but I don’t mean it that way at all. His voice is very unadulterated.

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