Pretty/Groovy is an album by the legendary American jazz trumpeter, Chet Baker. Released in 1958, the album is a compilation of recordings made by Baker when he was with Pacific Jazz Records, along with then small independent labels in Los Angeles. The album is particularly notable as it includes music from Chet Baker's early career, showcasing the distinct cool jazz style that cemented his reputation in the jazz world.
Known for his mellow sound and lyrical improvisation, Baker delivers compelling performances with this collection of tracks. The album is a mixture of cool jazz and West Coast jazz, genres Baker is often credited with defining. It includes engaging renditions of classics like "I've grown accustomed to her face" and "I've never been in love before".
Other notable tracks include a melancholic version of "Someone to watch over me" and a dreamy iteration of "The Wind". These songs not only depict Baker's strong command over his instrument but also capture his deeply emotive sensibilities as an artist.
This compilation album, like much of Baker’s work, is loved by jazz enthusiasts for its ability to evoke a range of emotions and its intimate, reflective nature. A number of the tracks in Pretty/Groovy represent the pinnacle of Baker's artistry with his haunting sound and subtle intricacies in the music. It remains an iconic piece of jazz history and a true testament to Baker’s undeniable talent.
