Chet Baker: Re:imagined

Chet Baker Re:Imagined, a collection of songs recorded by a varied selection of international talent to celebrate the legacy of one of the most unique, charismatic and influential figures in the history of jazz. Released to mark the 70th anniversary of seminal album Chet Baker Sings, the 15-track compilation presents modern reworkings of the trumpeter and singer’s repertoire and underscores the enduring influence of one of 20th century music’s most creative artists.

Featuring an array of international artists spanning R&B, pop, soul and jazz. British artists dodie, Matt Maltese, Matilda Mann, Joel Culpepper, Ife Ogunjobi, Hohnen Ford, Eloise and Puma Blue line up alongside Benny Sings from the Netherlands, Canada’s Stacey Ryan, American artists Delaney Bailey and Mxmtoon, South Korean Sara Kang and Australian-Filipino grentperez. These musicians, singers, songwriters and beat-makers all sit within a fast-emerging scene and together they cast Baker’s sublime.Chet Baker, born Chesney Henry Baker Jr. on December 23, 1929, in Yale, Oklahoma, was a defining figure of the West Coast jazz movement. Renowned for his hauntingly lyrical trumpet playing and smooth, understated vocals, Baker’s artistry captured the essence of "cool jazz." His talent, charisma, and tragic personal struggles made him one of jazz’s most fascinating and enduring legends.

Baker’s father was a professional guitarist, and his mother encouraged his musical pursuits from a young age. Starting with the trombone, Baker eventually transitioned to the trumpet, which became his signature instrument. After dropping out of high school, he briefly studied music theory before enlisting in the Army, where he played in military bands.

Following his discharge, Baker moved to Los Angeles and immersed himself in the thriving jazz scene of the 1950s. His breakthrough came in 1952 when he joined Charlie Parker for a series of West Coast performances. This opportunity brought him to the attention of bandleader Gerry Mulligan.

Baker’s collaboration with baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan in the Gerry Mulligan Quartet marked a turning point in his career. The group’s 1952 hit “My Funny Valentine” became a signature piece for Baker and a standard in the jazz repertoire. His lyrical, melodic trumpet playing stood out for its clarity and emotion, a departure from the bebop-driven virtuosity of contemporaries like Dizzy Gillespie.

Baker’s matinee-idol looks and introspective style earned him widespread popularity beyond the jazz world, making him a crossover star in the 1950s.

In 1954, Baker began showcasing his vocal abilities. His singing was soft, intimate, and vulnerable, capturing listeners with songs like “I Fall in Love Too Easily” and “Let’s Get Lost.” These tracks, paired with his trumpet, solidified his status as one of the era’s most beloved jazz artists.

As a solo artist, Baker toured extensively and recorded prolifically, producing albums that remain classics, such as Chet Baker Sings and Chet. His work exemplified the West Coast jazz aesthetic, with its emphasis on melody, restraint, and cool sophistication.

Despite his success, Baker’s life was marred by personal struggles, particularly with drug addiction. His battles with heroin began in the mid-1950s, leading to arrests, incarcerations, and setbacks in his career. A violent altercation in the 1960s left him with severe dental injuries, threatening his ability to play the trumpet. However, Baker demonstrated remarkable resilience, relearning his embouchure and returning to music with renewed determination.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Baker found a new audience in Europe, where he lived and performed extensively. During this period, he collaborated with a variety of musicians, blending elements of bebop, post-bop, and free jazz. His later recordings, such as Chet Baker in Tokyo and Chet Baker Quartet: No Problem, reveal a depth and maturity born of years of hardship and artistic growth.

On May 13, 1988, Baker died tragically in Amsterdam after falling from a hotel window under mysterious circumstances. His death marked the end of a tumultuous life, but his influence on jazz remains profound.

Chet Baker’s legacy is defined by his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. His trumpet playing and vocals continue to resonate with new generations of listeners, inspiring artists across genres. From his cool jazz classics to his late-career explorations, Baker’s contributions to music are timeless, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of his artistry.