Chet is Back!  
The Italian Sessions
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Chet Baker
After a two year absence from the studio (most of that time spent in an Italian jail) Chet's return could not have been more triumphant. He quiets all notions that he is a "has been" with his fiery delivery as he swings with a great Italian band. His version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is one of the prettiest things you'll ever hear. This is arguably his best recording of the 1960's.

In 2003, RCA released this recording on CD with the original cover and name (after years of issuing is as The Italian Sessions). The newer release features extensive liner notes, but best of all, it includes 4 very rare Italian recordings from 1962. That year Chet met with Ennio Morricone and they recorded 4 of Chet's own compositions (written during his jail term) for 2 Italian EP's. The tunes are a little heavily-orchestrated, but it proved that Chet could write some nice tunes when he put his mind to it.
______________________

Chet Baker - Trumpet, Vocals 
Bobby Jaspar - Flute, Tenor Sax (1-8)
Rene Thomas - Guitar (1-8)
Daniel Humair - Drums (1-8)
Benoit Quersin - Bass (1-8)
Amadeo Tommasi - Piano (1-8)
Ennio Morricone - Conductor (9-11)
______________________

Bluebird 09026-64020-2
Recorded January 5, 1962, Rome, Italy (bonus tracks recorded in 1962, exact date unknown)
Also released as:
 The Italian Sessions RCA Victor 09026-68590-2 (less # 9,10,11 and 12)
Somewhere Over The Rainbow  Bluebird 07863-61060-2 (less # 3,7,9,10,11 and 12)
#9,10,11,12 Originally released on various RCA Italian EP's.
______________________

 1. Well, You Needn't - 6:21 
 2. These Foolish Things - 4:55 
 3. Barbados (Parker) - 8:27
 4. Star Eyes - 6:58 
 5. Somewhere Over the Rainbow - 3:28
 6. Pent-Up House - 6:51 
 7. Ballata In Forma Di Blues - 10:05
 8. Blues in the Closet - 7:45 
 9. Chetty's Lullaby - 4:04
10. So che ti perdero  - 4:16
11. Motivo su raggio di luna  - 3:53
12. Il mio domani  - 5:21

return to discography

chetbakertribute.com