Where stands the music of Chet Baker with you?

I'm with Stewie on this one. I actually do enjoy his singing. But I do have to say that I've always hated singers who try to do too much (especially those who don't also play an instrument). As for his trumpet playing, his work with Gerry Mulligan was great, and pairing him with Stan Getz is just wonderful. Of course this is just how I feel about his music. I completely understand those who don't get him.

Jazzerdave,
It has nothing to do with not getting him. Some think he was a mediocre talent, simple as that!

How many of you who don't like his trumpet playing ever played any jazz yourself (more seriously than just in a high school band)? I'm just curious if former musicians might like him more than those with a listening-only background.

Charles1dad, that is a lovely studio track. In his early days he could play, but later on he would often miss.

Lets see, gone early at age 59 with 150+ albums in leadership roles performing with(to scratch the surface)Getz, Parker, Mulligan, Jim Hall, Elvis Costello, Lee Konitz, Chico Hamilton, Max Roach, Jimmy Guiffre, Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell, Hank Jones, Jack Nitsche, Barney Kessel, Keith Jarrett, Charlie Haden, Don Sebesky, Ron Carter, Hubert Laws, John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Astrud Gilberto, Billy Cobham, Niels-Henning Orted Pedersen, Enrico Pieranunzi, Bill Frisell, Kenny Barron, Paul Bley, Tom Harrell, Billy Higgins, Archie Shepp..

All while carrying a monkey on his back. Now that's mediocrity!