Chet Baker
Trumpet Solo on
Star Eyes

About

Chet Baker's one-chorus trumpet solo is the second of three solos on this medium-tempo reading of the de Paul standard. Following Doug Raney's guitar opening, Baker takes the 36-bar AABA form at 135 BPM in E-flat, his phrasing marked by the long, arching lines and subtle rhythmic displacement that define his mature style. The medium tempo provides ample space for Baker's characteristic approach of saying much with few notes, and his solo exemplifies the intimate, conversational jazz he favored during his European period.

Chet Baker was 49 to 50 years old at the time.