Chet Baker In New York: Fantasy 45 Series

Chet Baker In New York on 180g 45RPM 2LP from Analogue Productions: Part of the Fantasy 45 Series, Mastered by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman at Acoustech Mastering from the Original Master Tape, Pressed at QRP

On In New York, Chet Baker plays like an angel with a muted trumpet. In New York captures the moody prince of cool stepping into the East Coast hard bop ring — and holding his own with charm, tone, and those impossibly lyrical lines that seem to float above the beat like cigarette smoke in a club basement.

Chet Baker didn't play the trumpet. He seduced it. His tone? So velvety, you might try spreading it on toast. His solos? Like a conversation with someone who never raises their voice — but always gets the last word. On In New York, Chet proves that his famously fragile persona belied a rock-solid sense of melody, timing, and understated swagger.

Chet may be the name on the cover, but he came to town with some serious firepower. Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), known as the "Little Giant" brings a big sound and a bebop bite, pushing Chet into edgier territory — and yes, it works. Al Haig (piano), is bebop royalty. Cool, crisp, and a perfect harmonic foil for Baker's phrasing. Paul Chambers (bass), is from Miles' first-call list. He doesn't just walk the bass — he struts. Lastly, Philly Joe Jones (drums) swings so hard, it's a wonder the studio walls didn't cave in. This lineup turns In New York from a moody trumpet feature into a full-on jazz heavyweight bout, where elegance and energy shake hands for 42 glorious minutes.

Among the tracks, "Fair Weather" opens like a sigh and builds to a gorgeous melodic statement. Chet's tone is so pure, you'll swear it's whispering secrets. "Solar" is the Miles Davis tune. Chet steps into the master's world and makes it his own. Confident, cool, and swinging. "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" is a ballad done Baker-style: Romantic, vulnerable, and smoother than a vintage Cadillac. These are just a taste of the treasures that await on In New York.

This vinyl reissue is par excellence: Mastering by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman at Acoustech Mastering, double LP cut at 45RPM, and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings. Plus, it's housed in a Stoughton old-style tip-on gatefold jacket with scuff-resistant matte finish.

This is an album that deserves space in every jazz fan's collection. It captures a unique moment in Chet's career — between the breezy West Coast cool and the rawer later years. It's a must-have for any jazz collector who values tone, taste, and a little touch of trumpet romance. 

Features:

• 180g Vinyl
• 45RPM
• 2LP
• Mastering by Kevin Gray & Steve Hoffman at Acoustech Mastering
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings
• Stoughton Printing Old Style Tip-On Gatefold Jacket with Scuff-Resistant Matte Finish