Chet Baker - I Wish You Love

Baby Breeze (1965) Chet Baker, flugelhorn Bob James, piano Michael Fleming, bass Charlie Rice, drums “I Wish You Love“ begins with the pretty verse, played out of tempo by Baker and James only. The drums and bass join in for the chorus, which is taken at a faster pace than usual for this tune. There is a fine piano solo by James, and the high point is Baker´s use of long notes in the release -- a refreshing change from the conventional flurries. Although Chet Baker’s recordings from late in his life varied dramatically in quality, this series of studio sessions is a high point in his career. After having his trumpet stolen, he plays beautifully with a borrowed flügelhorn throughout most of these songs with a powerful tone, especially on “Baby Breeze“ and Hal Galper’s intense “This Is the Thing.“ Baker delivers some strong vocals on the session led by pianist Bobby Scott, though Scott’s huge hit “A Taste of Honey“ is marred somewhat by his odd honky tonk piano in the background. This is an unusual compilation worth acquiring. []