Chet Baker vs. Miles Davis


As crazy as it sounds I'd have to go with Chet.

And You?

:unsure:

klimt

I've never understood the fascination with Chet's singing.  I liken it to Mick playing the guitar, or Paul Simon trying to act.  Just stick to what you do best.  IMHO.  I like to listen to Chet when I just want to relax.  I like Miles when I want to be somewhat challenged by the music.  In a Silent Way is maybe my favourite MD.  Never fails to completely pull me into the music.  If you have not heard Chet's double CD Blue Room, which was released not that long ago, I highly recommend it.  Previously unreleased studio recordings from his time in the Netherlands.  Terrific recording quality.  Both trumpet and voice in top form.  Cheers.

Of course, I like them both! (Surprise).

 But, as others have pointed out- listen to Clifford Brown. Sweet tone, expressive, feel, nuance, articulation. Control of his instrument.  Many of his recordings are not great (like Monk's recordings) but, he played like a sweet, cool breeze on a hot summer day.

As two others implied, really apples and oranges. Chet was the quintessential representative of theWest coast sound, and Miles (and Dizzy) was the leader of the East coast sound in the 50's. The two schools of jazz are so different they really stand on their own.

BTW, Miles started on the West coast and actually played on stage with Chet. Look for album "Miles Davis and the Lighthouse All-stars" from 1953 in Hermosa Beach.

Also, Chet was always very respectful of Miles, while Miles denigrated Chet. Miles publicly saying that Chet ripped off his sound, as strange as that sounds....

GAR