Chet Baker: His life and music

by Jeroen de Valk

Chet Baker (1929-1988) was a star by the age of twenty-three, winner of all the jazz polls as singer as well as trumpeter. His early promise was frustrated by involvement with drugs, however, and by a popular shift in taste away from the Cool Jazz of the west coast. But, except for a brief period of inactivity, Chet continued to perform for over thirty years--increasingly overseas, and sometimes in poor condition--but always remaining faithful to his original, lyric style. Some of his finest recordings were made shortly before his death. Since then his reputation has recovered and continues to grow, thanks to his colorful life no less than his beautiful music.

Here, for the first time, is the complete story about Chet Baker, from his upbringing in Oklahoma, his introduction to jazz (and junk) in Los Angeles, his early success with the Mulligan Quartet--through the horrific years of addiction, muggings, endless wandering, and jail sentences on both sides of the Atlantic. In between we learn of Chet's marriages and his erratic behavior--but also about his fitful brilliance as a musician, and diffident charm as a man. The author, Jeroen de Valk, dispels persistent myths about Baker, making the case, for instance, that he continued to develop musically throughout his career, however chaotic the circumstances.

The book includes interviews with Chet himself as well as his wife Carol, his manager, and fellow musicians like Lee Konitz, Bud Shank, and Russ Freeman. It includes two up-to-date discographies: a select, narrative one devoted to Chet's best releases, and a complete catalog of his 200+ recordings, rated from one star (Chet's bad days) to five (Baker classics). The text is enhanced by over 40 photos of Baker and his associates.

Genres: Biography, Music, Jazz

318 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Archwood YIPPIE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative yet not really gripping writing style

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began reading this biography of Chet Baker recently. He died on May 13th, 1988 (it will be exactly twenty years since his death on my birthday next month) - I have always had a deep connection with Chet and his music, he was also the first "boy musician" whose poster I had up on my wall, whereas most girls had boy bands, there was Chet with his trumpet painted in black and white....so far the bio is beautifully written and very stark reality about the truth of Chet's heroin addiction and the way different members of his family loved and hated him (sometimes simultaneously) because of it. Most of all, he was addicted to the music and I am truly grateful for that. Having also survived the war and traveled through Europe through what is to me to have been the most exciting time to travel around Europe playing music, he definitely led a beautiful and fascinating life. R.I.P. Mr. Baker

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of music of many genres and have read biographies of most of the best known classical composers.

I have read just three biographies of jazz musicians:

1) Lush Life, A Biography of Billy Strayhorn by David Hajdu

2) Stan Getz, A Life in Jazz by Donald Maggin

And now this biography of Chet Baker. It's a good book and really gets into the man and his misic. Although Chet's music stands the test of time as both a trumpeter and vocalist, I feel it's a shame that his heroin addiction was such a waste.

If anyone can recommend any other great jazz biographies, please let me know!

[Remco · Rating 2 out of 5]

Volledig tegen m'n principes in net niet uitgelezen. Waanzinnig saai geschreven. Of Chet had een waanzinnig saai leven. Dan is het perfect geschreven, maar niet zo'n goed onderwerp.

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Chet Baker his life and Music" offers a comprehensive account of the life and music of Chet Baker. It is written in a conversational style rather than a standard linear biography. It is incredibly well researched and features excerpts from interviews with Baker, other musicians, his family and friends. de Valk provides a complete account of Baker's on going health and drug issues and how they impacted on his performance and life. The book includes a wonderful collection of very personal photos and a handy (and surprisingly long) discography. An interesting account of a man whose work I admire greatly. One for fans.

[Naomi Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A profile of melancholy and sensitivity reflected in both man and music. This total piece of sh*t human somehow provokes so much empathy and inspires deep reflection, this man beyond all odds. His relationships with other musicians and the cultural context of east coast vs west coast jazz was super interesting and I wish it went into that more, but unsurprisingly overshadowed by Chet’s massive drug habit which haunted him throughout his career. His music has always tugged on my heart strings in a way no other music can, and the man that is behind it all does no less. I hope that more people can appreciate his work today.

[Gary Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regardless of his accomplishments in music, Baker comes off mostly as a very self-centered and often unpleasant and humorless person whose life appeared to revolved around drugs as much as music. Apparently written in 1989 and translated to English in 2000, the writing occasionally stumbles a bit, as if the translation were done by someone whose first language is not English, but still a good read overall.

[Diana]

Less visceral than the Gavin biography (who, de Valk writes, seems indifferent to Chet's music), de Valk balances the sensationalism of Chet's personal life with his nomadic career. The book includes a curated discography with useful notes, a great reference if you want to comb through Chet's prolific catalog.

[Jacob Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Dean Severson · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're interested in Chet's life this is a good book to read. Easy read and contained stories I had never heard.

[jassu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The format reminds me of a report I did in high school, but the interviews still intrigued me

[Kind of Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stupendo e indimenticabile

[Ken MacIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Blue

Jeroen de Valk protrays vividly the chaotic life of Chet Baker, melodic jazz trumpeter and ballad singer of extraodinary sensitivity. A life blighted by addiction, a career almost ended by the loss of his upper teeth and a life ended with a fall from a hotel window. A natural musician who seemingly never practised, or fully understood chords and scales, his flawless ear was his guide. In the 50s, the quartet with Gerry Mulligan was just about the coolest thing in Los Angeles. Baker seemed to have everything, exceptional looks, a voice and a poll winning jazz trumpeter. For all his sad descent - at one time he was living on welfare or working in a gas station to support himself and family and his nadir was a series of albums aimed at the pop market - somehow the music was still there. If America forgot Baker, there was plenty of work in Europe. Promoters overlooked his unreliability. He recorded prolifically. Ultimately we have the music as redemption out of the sad wreckage of broken relationships and addictions, making it Almost Blue, the song Elvis Costello wrote for him. Almost.

[Robbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always loved Chet the trumpeter. Chet the vocalist much less so. Baker's life outside of music is a really sad read. Only ardent jazz history enthusiasts will get through this one.

[epistemology · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting read. i love chet baker... good balance of life, drugs, women, and music represented in this book.

[Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly about people thought's on his drug addiction & how badly he played in the later years. The book chronicles his moving about the US/Europe & not much else. There is a discography @ the end.

[Henry Fiol · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're into Chet Baker, this is a must-read.