Chet Baker's 'Hazy Hugs' is a sublime jazz masterpiece that envelops listeners in a soothing atmosphere of cool, velvety tones. Released on 19 May 2021 via Baseline Jazz, this captivating album boasts a generous duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, providing ample opportunity to immerse oneself in Baker's distinctive sound.
The tracklist is a thoughtful curation of Baker's signature vocal jazz style, with standout pieces like 'Shifting Down', 'Someday You'll Leave Me', and the titular 'Hazy Hugs' showcasing his ability to craft melancholic, yet uplifting melodies. The inclusion of alternate takes for several tracks, including 'Shifting Down', 'Tergiversation', 'Deep Soul', and 'Someday You'll Leave Me', offers a fascinating glimpse into Baker's creative process and provides a deeper understanding of his artistic vision.
Throughout 'Hazy Hugs', Chet Baker's inimitable voice and trumpet playing weave a rich tapestry of sound, effortlessly blending elements of cool jazz and vocal jazz to create a unique and captivating listening experience. With its dreamy, laid-back quality, this album is sure to delight fans of the genre and leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.