Chet Baker Sings FSNT33_105_2 The photographs of William Claxton

The photographs of William Claxton define the essence of cool – his stunningly intimate images of icons like Chet Baker combine technical innovation and an unerring sense of the moment to forge a singular aesthetic he defined as ‘jazz for the eyes’ - Jason Ankeny (AllMusic) –

but produced from the other side of the ocean by Norman Granz

other times expanding into new

from ska to rocksteady to the early reggae sounds of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s

it is the first of what would be 3 Concerts of Sacred Music composed by Ellington between 1965 & 1973

Chet Baker Sings FSNT33_105_2 The photographs of William ClaxtonKnown as a fine trumpet player, Chet Baker can also sing, as the title of his 1956 studio album, Chet Baker Sings confirms. Whilst this is an end to end classic album, its worth it just for his velvety rendition of My Funny Valentine. Musicians backing Chet are Russ Freeman, Carson Smith, Joe Mondragon, Jimmy Bond, Bob Neel, Larance Marable and Peter Lipman. Blue Note Tone Poet edition.