Personnel: Chet Baker (vocals, trumpet); Paul Desmond (alto saxophone); Hubert Laws (flute, alto flute); Romeo Penque (flute, clarinet); George Marge (alto flute, oboe); Lewis Eley, Max Ellen, Barry Finclair, Paul Gershman, Harry Glickman, Emanuel Green, Harold Kohon, David Nadien, Herbert Sorkin (violin); Warren Lash, Jesse Levy, George Ricci (cello); Dave Friedman (vibraphone); Bob James (electric piano); Ron Carter (bass); Jack DeJohnette, Steve Gadd (drums). Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on July 17, October 31 and November 1, 1974. Includes liner notes by Doug Ramsey. The 1960's saw Chet Baker living in Europe, in the shadows of the American jazz scene. By 1970, he had stopped making music altogether. Coping with a terrible heroin addiction, Baker found himself in a slump that almost cost him his life. However, by 1974, he had made a comeback with SHE WAS TOO GOOD TO ME, an album that speaks volumes for his ability to fight the odds. Here he sings and plays trumpet with the musical sagacity of a jazz elder, and while his technical abilities fall short of his 1950's recordings, his lyricism is thoughtful and refined. Truly one of Baker's finest efforts, SHE WAS TOO GOOD TO ME features a large ensemble including smart string arrangements on the title track and "What'll I Do." "She Was Too Good to Me" is arguably Baker's greatest vocal performance on record. His lush, boyish voice is laced with deep sorrow as he contemplates his bittersweet past. "It's only natural I'm so blue," he croons in an almost whisper; this song truly makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

• Genre: Pop
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 01/22/13