Comin' On with the Chet Baker Quintet cover

Comin' On with the Chet Baker Quintet

Chet Baker · 1967

42 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of cool jazz sophistication with intimate melodies and intricate improvisations that showcase Baker's signature trumpet style.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Stairway to the Stars — This track features an enchanting melody complemented by nuanced trumpet phrasing, showcasing Baker's ability to evoke emotion through his playing.
  • →
    No Fair Lady — With its intricate harmonic structure, this piece highlights the quintet's synergy and Baker's improvisational prowess, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Chabootie — The rhythmic complexity and captivating interplay between instruments make this track a prime example of the quintet's dynamic sound and Baker's artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate arrangements and strong improvisation, showcasing Baker's talent while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a slow build, establishing a relaxed mood before transitioning into more intricate improvisations.
  • Each track showcases Baker's trumpet work alongside the quintet, with several pieces featuring extended solos that highlight individual musicians.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • smooth melodies for relaxation
  • intricate improvisation detail hunting
  • reflective moments of contemplation
  • late-night listening with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic music
  • seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
When Chet Baker released Comin' On with the Chet Baker Quintet in 1967, he was experiencing a creative resurgence after overcoming personal struggles. This album followed his earlier works during the 1950s that established him as a prominent figure in the West Coast jazz scene, and it marked a return to collaborative performances with a quintet format.
Stylistic neighbors
Miles Davis· Bill Evans· Stan Getz

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Comin’ On 5:40
  • 2 Stairway to the Stars 4:44
  • 3 No Fair Lady 8:15
  • 4 When You’re Gone 4:08
  • 5 Choose Now 5:51
  • 6 Chabootie 6:57
  • 7 Caprisie’s Groove 6:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata