THE WILLIAM CLAXTON COLLECTION
180 Pure Virging Vinyl LPs in Gatefold Packaging.
The photographs of William Claxton define the essence of cool – his stunningly intimate images of icons like Chet Baker combine technical innovation and an unerring sense of the moment to forge a singular aesthetic he defined as ‘jazz for the eyes’ - Jason Ankeny (AllMusic) –
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CHET BAKER
MY FUNNY VALENTINE
Chet Baker's playing and singing were original, compelling, and unforgettable. "My Funny Valentine" shows exactly that along with this photo on the cover shot during the recordings of the Chet Baker Sings Session in Los Angeles, March 7th, 1955. On the inside another shot, this time with Russ Freeman during a further recording session in October 27th, 1953, while singing ‘The Thrill is Gone’.
PERSONNEL:
CHET BAKER, trumpet & vocals With:
[A1], [A7] & [B6]: Russ Freeman (p), Carson Smith (b), Bob Neel (d).
Los Angeles, February 15, 1954.
[A2]: Russ Freeman (p), Carson Smith (b), Bob Neel (d).
Los Angeles, March 7, 1955.
[A3]: Russ Freeman (p), Carson Smith (b), Larry Bunker (d).
Los Angeles, October 3, 1953.
[A4]: Russ Freeman (p), Jimmy Bond (b), Lawrence Marable (d).
Los Angeles, July 30, 1956.
[A5] & [B1]: Russ Freeman (p), Jimmy Bond (b), Peter Littman (d).
Forum Theatre, Los Angeles, July 23, 1956.
[A6]: Russ Freeman (p), Red Mitchell (b), Bobby White (d).
Los Angeles, December 15, 1952.
[B2] & [B4]: Bud Shank (fl), Russ Freeman (p), Red Mitchell (b),
Bob Neel (d), plus string section includingCorky Hale (harp),
Ed Lustgarten, Ray Kramer, Eleanor Slatkin, Kurt Reher (cello).
Arrangers: Johnny Mandel (B2) & Marty Paich (B4).
Los Angeles, February 28, 1955.
[B3]: Herb Geller (as & ts), Jack Montrose (ts, arr), Russ Freeman (p),
Joe Mondragon (b), Shelly Manne (d).
Los Angeles, December 22, 1953.
[B5]: Bob Brookmeyer (v-tb), Bud Shank (bar), Russ Freeman (p),
Carson Smith (b), Shelly Manne (d).
Arranger: Bill Holman. Los Angeles, September 15, 1954.
[B7]: Pete Jolly (p), Leroy Vinnegar (b), Stan Levey (d).
Los Angeles, July 26, 1956.
