Night Bird – Italy 1980
Chet Baker
A relaxed instrumental featuring Chet Baker in his prime
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Chet Baker (1929-88) had an up-and-down life with plenty of highs and dramatic lows.
While one might think that his periods off the scene and his drug use would impair his trumpet playing, he actually often played at his very best during his final decade, surpassing his work in the 1950s when he was his most popular.
This relaxed performance at the Club 27 in Peruggia, Italy in 1980 features Baker playing his swinging “Night Bird” in a quartet with flutist Nicola Stila, pianist Enrico Pieranunzi and bassist Riccardo Del Fra ; all four musicians take fine solos.
-Scott Yanow
