WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT CHET BAKER? Jazz Tactics #15

Simple is not easy. When you listen to Chet Baker, you don’t hear harmonic or rhythmic complexity on the level of Charlie Parker or Clifford Brown. He didn’t have virtuoso trumpet or vocal chops like Dizzy Gillespie or Ella Fitzgerald. He didn’t push the boundaries of music like Miles Davis or Ornette Coleman. Some will argue that Chet Baker should not be considered in the same league as these innovators—that is the view from the eye of the beholder and it is a valid argument.

What is clear is that Chet had an innate respect for and understanding of how to create and phrase a melody that endeared him to jazz fans and non-jazz fans alike. In that, he is an excellent study for anyone who strives to gain insight into the jazz language. This video, one of a sequence on solo transcription, seeks to provide examples in support of that view.

ABOUT THIS SERIES
This is the 15th video in the Jazz Tactics series, exploring elements of playing jazz music, especially improvisation, based on my book of the same name and a university course that I’ve taught for over thirty years. The sequential videos in this series will provide a solid foundation of understanding of the principles and practices of jazz improvisation, on both and aural and intellectual levels. Below are some suggestions to get you started:

ABOUT THIS CHANNEL
On this channel, jazz trumpeter, educator and author Chase Sanborn offers information and advice for musicians and music appreciators.

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MORE INFORMATION
For more in-depth and personal information and instruction, check out Chase's books and online lesson options on his website:

[sintrasax]

Chet really is my sonic hero. If music's function is to make you feel something then, for me, Chet soars above most others. Such an exquisite melancholy over a backdrop of Dulcet memories. Every time i play i hear chet's haunting tone in my head.

[snoolee]

Nice shirt. Jazz people are some of the last people left in western culture that know how to dress. Thanks for being you.

[spartacusjonesmusic]

As a singer, I've always thought Chet sang like a trumpet player -- and played trumpet like a singer. (Esther Phillip does a classic scat solo like that on "Scarred Knees, " BTW). Glad to see you explain why I was right. :)

[IndianOutlaw]

There is something uniquely sublime about his playing that is hard to put into words.

[asmodeoloyalvillacorta]

Chet Baker was a godlike creature. Very admirable.

[BillMcBirnie-Extreme-Flute]

That's amazing. Forty years ago, when I was just learning how to improvise, this solo by Chet on "Autumn Leaves" was the very FIRST thing that I ever transcribed!

[ajn]

Autumn leaves was the first transcription I ever learned… Out of that book.. you know. Tonite, I found myself singing along with you there. I haven’t thought about that solo in ages. But there it was. Chase sounding lovely here, btw.

[ojtrumpet]

This is great, Chase!
When I played recordings of Maynard and then of Chet, my non trumpet playing friends always chose Chet: "More of him!"

[lrn_news]

"Respect for the melody of the tune" and staying within the melody of the song that's pretty
much the description of "cool jazz" as opposed to bebop

[connvictor]

In our big band, I keep track of the soloists easily by playing the melody in my mind. I have to remember to honor the melody more in my own soloing.

[FPB]

Chet music is full of emotions and passion and pain.

[teletone]

Very cool video. I’m gonna share with one of my students.

[kentmatsui]

Man I love your videos. I listen and watch so many of them and I’m not a trumpet player though I started out on it. I sing and play tenor sax. I love your jazz history videos too. They are awesome and the music you put in them are such gems. One thing I did want to say about Chet’s solos played only on trumpet misses the way the notes he chose harmonized with the chord changes. To me that’s part of his artistry. Thanks again for your informative and well made videos. All of them are a pleasure and a help to watch and listen to!

[BillMcBirnie-Extreme-Flute]

That phrase of Chet's that you zeroed in on (around 5:37) sounds like a quote from "Sweet Georgia Brown"! 🙂

[u]

Chets scat solo om it could happen to you and his rendering of she was to good to me
Astonishing

[williamchernoff]

love the concept of playing the solo over the melody played

[carltwidle]

I don't play a trumpet or sing. I think Chet Baker played the trumpet 🎺 the best. His vocals are magical. I love listening to him, i own many cds of his music.

[itsvladzino]

People like Chet because he was a great Baker

[dennisnajoom]

Sounds beautiful Chase! Love your series.

[DanielSmith-eegm]

He certainly did play fast in his younger days!😀