Cool Burnin' with the Chet Baker Quintet cover

Cool Burnin' with the Chet Baker Quintet

Chet Baker · 1967

42 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A mellow blend of lyrical trumpet lines and subtle rhythms, evoking an intimate late-night jazz club atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Waited for You — This track stands out for its haunting melody, allowing Baker's trumpet to soar over lush harmonies while conveying a palpable sense of longing.
  • →
    Cut Plug — The upbeat tempo and intricate interplay between the quintet members showcase Baker's ability to merge complexity with accessibility, creating an engaging listening experience.
  • →
    Boudoir — Its sultry mood is characterized by smooth improvisations and rich textures, exemplifying Baker's signature romanticism in jazz.

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 showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, creating an intimate jazz experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of soft dynamics, with each track maintaining a mellow atmosphere throughout.
  • Trumpet melodies are often accompanied by sparse piano and rhythm sections, allowing for space and subtlety in the arrangements.
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 evening relaxation
  • intricate rhythms for attentive listening
  • candlelit ambiance enhancing mood
  • gentle pacing for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer immediate gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1967, Cool Burnin' with the Chet Baker Quintet came during a transitional phase in Baker's career, following his return to the United States after years spent in Europe. This album reflects his continued evolution as a key figure in the West Coast jazz scene, showcasing a mature sound that balances technical prowess with emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Miles Davis· Bill Evans· Stan Getz

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Hurry 4:53
  • 2 I Waited for You 6:33
  • 3 The 490 6:10
  • 4 Cut Plug 4:39
  • 5 Boudoir 6:23
  • 6 Etude in Three 5:12
  • 7 Sleeping Susan 8:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata