Chet Baker

Chet Baker got another chance at an American comeback in the 1970s, but his mellow acoustic style didn't suit the jazz fusion era. So he returned to Europe and recorded frequently for his remaining years. This set with the Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi from the dawn of the '80s is a real keeper. Baker is in fine form, not only on the supple ballads but also on the faster bop numbers. Pieranunzi's piano style, fluid but dreamy, suits Baker perfectly, and there is also fine saxophone support from Maurizio Giammaco. Baker also has two vocal spots, on his signature tune "My Funny Valentine" and the original "Animali Diurni" (a real charmer).