"Before delving into the music on this collection, it's important to offer a note of caution to Chet Baker fans: Italian Movies is not a really a compilation of the trumpeter's work, so much as a series of film scores by the great composer Piero Umiliani between 1958 and 1964 on which he is featured either as a soloist or as part of the orchestra. It might better have been marketed to Umiliani fans, but it's tough to fault label Moochin' About for a little creative license when repackaging a previous issue of this music that appeared on Liuto Records -- that one was co-billed to the pair. Other than on disc three -- where Baker doesn't get to solo until track nine in the score for 1962's Smog, yet is still featured for 20 minutes -- there is plenty of him to go around as he works amid his Italian contemporaries. Despite the period, one in which his drug addiction was particularly difficult to manage, his playing is taut, muscular, and inventive throughout. His solos bear the entire strength of his phrasing signature. ... Italian Movies is handsomely packaged with iconic photos of Baker, includes full credits, and comes at a reasonable price."
allmusic
***Chet Baker: Italian Movies (Video)
Piero on Chet
Italian Movies by CHET BAKER/PIERO UMILIANI (Audio)
amazon
YouTube: Piero Umiliani & Chet Baker - Italian movies (Live)
YouTube: Chet Baker Italian Movies
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