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Review: Baker's Holiday is a 1965 album that sees trumpeter and vocalist Chet Baker paying homage to the legendary Billie Holiday. Released now on Verve, the album features Baker's signature mellow trumpet solos complemented by his occasional vocals. He is supported by a full saxophone section and a four-piece rhythm group, including renowned pianist Hank Jones, while colorful arrangements by Jimmy Mundy enrich the listening experience. The album consists of ten songs associated with Lady Day, many of which Baker had not recorded before. This classic album is now part of Verve's Acoustic Sounds vinyl reissue series, which aims to deliver audiophile-grade versions of historic jazz records. Each title in the series is mastered from original analogue tapes, pressed on 180-gram vinyl, and packaged in high-quality gatefold sleeves with tip-on jackets. Baker's Holiday exemplifies Baker's talent and serves as a beautiful tribute to one of jazz's most influential figures.

Review: From the opening notes of the iconic 'Alamode,' this album bursts with beauty. It features the first sextet lineup of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and showcases a young Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Bobby Timmons on piano, and Jymie Merritt on bass. The band relentlessly drives the pace with each track, making a powerful impact throughout and for that rowans it became one of many Art Blakey classics. This Verve By Request release is pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Third Man in Detroit, which as you will know means it sounds second to none.