Chet Baker _ my funny valentine

 

Chet Baker _ my funny valentine

 

 

 

There are dozens of recordings of Chet Baker's "My Funny Valentine".

Each is unique and special, so it was hard to pick just a few samples:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 1952: Chet's first recording of the tune for the Gerry Mulligan Quartet. The vibrato the 22 year old trumpeter plays sounds more like Harry James than Miles Davis. This recording is wonderfully arranged, with Chet and Gerry's melodies intertwining at the end, and Carson Smith keeping a "tick-tock" beat throughout.

August 1953: On the studio recordings of "Valentine" in 1952 & 53, Chet played it straight, mostly as the tune was written. But as he began performing it live (as you hear here), it began to evolve.

November 1974: When Baker and Mulligan reunited in 1974 for a concert at Carnegie Hall, it was only natural that they play this tune. After all, Gerry Mulligan continued to play it up through the mid- 1990's. It had became part of his standard catalog, just as it had became part of Baker's. The performance, though nostalgic, is a fresh interpretation of the tune.

September 1979: From the Round Midnight recording in London. This one is so unrecognizable, it takes you a few moments to determine what song he is playing.

December 1979: Chet teams with the great Enrico Pieranunzi for this charming, intimate version of "Valentine". He brings even more warmth to the tune with his lovely muted trumpet.

November 1985: At an intimate gig at The Moonlight Club, Baker blows a bluesy rendition of this tune complete with some dramatic high notes that will send chills down your spine.