Chet Baker & Crew

(2-LP set) the numbers heard on Chet Baker & Crew were among a prolific flurry of recordings Baker was involved in during the last week of July 1956 - fresh from an extended European stay. The crew on these sides includes Phil Urso (tenor sax), Bobby Timmons (piano), Jimmy Bond (bass), Peter Littman (drums), and of course Baker (trumpet/vocals). The band members take full advantage of their individual roles and abilities as soloists to really stretch out on "Slightly Above Moderate" and the Urso-credited composition "Halema" - named after Baker's wife. The chemistry of cool that flows between Urso and Baker is perhaps at it's finest during the seamless exchange heard on "Worryin' the Life Out of Me." Timmons also boasts notable contributions throughout. His playful and scampering style dresses up the bluesy "Lucius Lu" and "Line for Lyons," among others. The latter is also notable as it contains the sole Baker vocal on this set. Tracks: To Mickey's Memory, Slightly Above Moderate, Halema, Revelation, Something for Liza, Lucius Lu, Worrying the Life Out of Me, Medium Rock, to Mickey's Memory (Alternate Take), Jumpin' Off a Clef, Chippyin', Pawnee Junction, Music to Dance By, Line for Lyons.