What makes Once Upon a Summertime by Chet Baker notable?

'Once Upon a Summertime' is notable for its rich arrangements and Baker's characteristic trumpet playing, which earned critical acclaim upon release. The album highlighted Baker's enduring influence on the jazz genre, solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in the West Coast jazz scene, particularly during a period when many artists were shifting towards fusion. Released in 1980, 'Once Upon a Summertime' marked one of Chet Baker's later works, coming after a prolific career that began in the 1950s. By this time, Baker had transitioned into a more introspective sound, reflecting his personal struggles and shifting artistic focus. This album showcased his ability to interpret jazz standards with a nuanced emotional depth.

Who is Once Upon a Summertime for?

Once Upon a Summertime works well if you're into melancholic afternoon reflections, slow-burn emotional depth and intimate moments of solitude.

How many songs are on Once Upon a Summertime?

Once Upon a Summertime has 5 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Once Upon a Summertime

Chet Baker · 1980

40 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A delicate blend of melancholic melodies and lush harmonies that epitomizes Chet Baker's lyrical trumpet style.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

melancholic afternoon reflections
slow-burn emotional depth
intimate moments of solitude
lyrical trumpet-led meditations

Maybe skip if you want

seekers of upbeat tempos
prefer short, radio-friendly tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1980, 'Once Upon a Summertime' marked one of Chet Baker's later works, coming after a prolific career that began in the 1950s. By this time, Baker had transitioned into a more introspective sound, reflecting his personal struggles and shifting artistic focus. This album showcased his ability to interpret jazz standards with a nuanced emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Miles Davis· Bill Evans· Stan Getz

Tracklist

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

1 Tidal Breeze 6:50
2 Shifting Down 7:28
3 E.S.P. 5:38
4 The Song Is You 9:14
5 Once Upon a Summertime (La Valse Des Lilas) 11:22

What to play next

Listen next

Chet Baker / Wolfgang Lackerschmid

1980

Go back to

Rendez-vous

1980

Full Chet Baker discography Artists like Chet Baker

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata