Chet Baker vs. Miles Davis

**** Comparison may be the thief of joy but it makes for edifying conversation.****

Exactly!  Art forms as rich as Jazz evolve and are represented by different “schools” of style and sensibilities due to geographical (regional) and cultural differences.  Listeners can take the perfectly valid approach of enjoying the performances of artists that touch them emotionally for whatever reasons without digging into those musicians’ influence and place in the evolution of the art form.  However, the digging into can enhance the joy big time.  

A little insight into Chet Baker from Bob Mover, one of the unsung heroes of the alto saxophone and Chet’s band mate for years:

https://youtu.be/JFYq5D0ny9E?si=1godlFGu56z1HxB8

Two very different musicians, especially if one considers the totality of their respective contributions to Jazz. Both important Jazz players, but ultimately Miles is deserving of the title as one of the giants of Jazz. Baker was a beautifully introspective player with a distinctive way with a melody. But, so was Miles…. when he chose to be. His tonal “palette” was much more wide ranging and his musical persona changed a great deal over the course of his career. He was one of the great innovators in Jazz having influenced players in genres outside the “mainstream”, which is where Baker “lived” pretty much his entire career.

From the standpoint of instrumental technique and as demonstrated by their recordings, while it could be argued that Baker was the more “refined” trumpet player given that soothing and warm quality to his tone (itself a sign of good instrumental control), Miles’ showed much wider dynamic range and sheer technical facility. His expressivity seemed to be less dependent on his “sound”.