The first in Blue Note's Jazz Profile CD series, this sampler features trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker, who never actually recorded for Blue Note; his Pacific Jazz recordings, however, are also owned by Blue Note's parent company EMI. All 11 selections on this set have been reissued on CD; although they are not quite definitive (no "My Funny Valentine" here), there is a great deal of fine music to be heard. Baker is featured in settings ranging from his quartet with Russ Freeman (taking four vocals) to medium-size groups with altoist Herb Geller and tenor/arranger Jack Montrose; plus, there is one appearance apiece for valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, altoist Art Pepper and tenorman Phil Urso. A good introduction to the cool-toned trumpeter in his early days, when he was also considered to be a heartthrob as a singer. ~ Scott Yanow

Rovi