Chet Baker & Crew

The numbers heard on were among a prolific flurry of recordings was involved in during the last week of July 1956 -- fresh from an extended European stay. Sessions were held every day from the 23rd through the 31st, which resulted in such classic titles as , , and -- which is also available under the title -- as well as . The crew on these sides includes (tenor sax), (piano), (bass), (drums), and of course (trumpet/vocals). Joining the combo on both the original as well as the alternate take of and is (chromatic tympani). His unmistakable percussive accents and tuned drum solos give these West Coast bop tracks uniquely Polynesian intonations. The bandmembers take full advantage of their individual roles and abilities as soloists to really stretch out on "Slightly Above Moderate" and the -credited composition "Halema" -- named after 's wife. The chemistry of cool that flows between is perhaps at its finest during the seamless exchange heard on "Worryin' the Life Out of Me." also boasts notable contributions throughout. His playful and scampering style dresses up the bluesy "Lucius Lu" and "Line for Lyons," among others. The latter is also notable as it contains the sole vocal on this set. ~ Lindsay Planer