Baker, Chet
In New York (clear)
His first for Riverside, In New York saw Chet Baker bring the West Coast cool jazz style to new Manhattan surroundings. With the rhythm section of Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones keeping things up-tempo and propulsive, pianist Al Haig alternating between fill-in chords and intriguing melodies and saxophonist Johnny Giffin trading lead flourishes with Baker himself, the LP is another winner right through. The swinging bop is full of zest and verve on Hotel 49 and a one-off rendition of Miles Solar, while some contrasting introspective breaks are provided by Blue Thoughts and Polka Dots And Moonbeams. Great stuff!