Baker, Chet
In Milan (clear)
Recorded in October 1959, with heroin a caustic presence, In Milan is the first of the albums Chet Baker cut in Europe, revisiting West Coast cool jazz nuggets with drummer Gene Victory and a set of local players, including bassist Franco Serri and pianist Renato Sellani, bolstered by saxophonists Glauco Masetti and Gianno Basso on select tracks. Bop favourites such as Charlie Parker & Miles Davis Cheryl and Davis Tune Up are handled with care, and theres a fine take of Line For Lyons, which Baker first recorded as a member of Gerry Mulligans Quartet, with a great solo by Serri. Its Baker at his best - thoroughly excellent!