Chet Baker – Sings And Plays (Blue Note Tone Poet Series, 180g, Mono)

180-gram LP

Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from the original master tape

Plated and pressed at RTI

Deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket

Blue Note Records has announced the 2023 line-up for the Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series. The acclaimed series is produced by the "Tone Poet" Joe Harley and features all-analog, 180-gram audiophile vinyl reissues that are mastered directly from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray of Cohearent Audio.

Tone Poet vinyl is manufactured at RTI in Camarillo, California, and packaged in deluxe gatefold tip-on jackets. The titles were once again handpicked by Harley and include acknowledged treasures of the Blue Note catalog as well as underrated classics, modern era standouts, and albums from other labels under the Blue Note umbrella including Pacific Jazz.

Following the success of Chet Baker's much-loved vocal debut Chet Baker Sings on Pacific Jazz in 1954, producer Richard Bock brought the rising star trumpeter back into Capitol Studios the next year for the sequel Chet Baker Sings and Plays which showcased both sides of Baker's artistry. Backing him on the date were both his quartet featuring pianist Russ Freeman and an expanded ensemble with Bud Shank on flute and strings arranged by Frank Campo, Johnny Mandel, and Marty Paich. The 10-song set of standards includes some of Baker's most enduring performances including his timeless rendition of "Let's Get Lost." Other standouts include Baker's versions of "Just Friends," "Long Ago (and Far Away)," "You Don't Know What Love Is," and "I Remember You."