In New York

I've been listening to Chet Baker in New York recently and was knocked out with Chet's playing. All too often his sound has been described as 'frail', 'wistful', 'vulnerable', 'delicate', etc., etc., (which it sometimes is), but on this album, he is powerful, assertive, muscular, and very much in tune with the New York Hard Bop style. His companions on the date are all peerless, fully paid up hard boppers, the best around at the time, which means the best ever!! Johnny Griffin, Al Haig, Paul Chambers and the great Philly Joe Jones.

Here's a thought: I believe this album is Chet's equivalent of Art Pepper's brilliant (I'm resisting the temptation to say 'iconic' - a much overused word these days) 'Meets the Rhythm Section' album, in which the altoist is joined by the Miles Davis rhythm section of the time. With Al Haig replacing Red Garland, I think Chet's album compares favourably with Pepper's.