Toby Brazier’s Tribute To Chet Baker in Lichfield

Celebrating the enduring legacy of trumpeter Chet Baker, West Yorkshire-based musician Toby Brazier recently led his quartet in a thoughtfully curated performance at The Hub in St Mary’s, Lichfield. The concert offered a rich exploration of Baker’s repertoire, striking a balance between beloved classics and lesser-known compositions associated with the legendary jazz figure.

While Chet Baker’s distinctive trumpet style has garnered widespread admiration among jazz enthusiasts, his vocal work often inspires more divided opinions. Brazier’s evening leaned heavily on instrumental mastery, showcasing his aptitude on the trumpet and his ability to evoke Baker’s signature sound. Though Brazier did undertake some vocal numbers, it was his trumpet playing that stood out as the evening’s highlight.

The program was notable for its breadth, mixing standard pieces that Baker famously interpreted, such as “There Will Never Be Another You,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “Let’s Get Lost,” with deeper cuts that are less frequently performed. This includes selections like Sam Rivers’ “Beatrice,” Horace Silver’s “Doodlin’,” Jimmy Heath’s “For Minors Only,” and “Night Bird,” a piece by Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi, an artist with whom Baker collaborated in his later career. This approach provided the audience with both familiarity and fresh perspectives on Baker’s musical journey.

Supporting Brazier were guitarist Will Powell, bassist Jose Canha, and drummer John Arnesen, each contributing to a cohesive and fluent ensemble dynamic. Canha’s bass work was particularly noteworthy for its effortless swing and tight synchronization with Arnesen’s drumming, creating a solid rhythmic foundation throughout the set. Powell’s guitar was marked by subtlety and precision; despite a reserved stage presence, his solos added texture and depth to the performance.

Brazier’s trumpet playing maintained a close connection to Baker’s almost vibrato-free tone, yet he infused moments of intensity that reflected his personal artistic voice. This blend of reverence and individual expression underscored the tribute’s authenticity and vitality.

The concert also referenced Baker’s 1985 album "Chet’s Choice," recorded in Holland and recognized for its crystal-clear studio performances during the later phase of Baker’s career. Brazier recommended this album as a significant document in appreciating Baker’s evolving artistry, emphasizing its lyrical beauty and technical finesse.

Overall, the Lichfield event delivered a nuanced homage to Chet Baker. It honored the trumpeter’s influential legacy by not only revisiting his most cherished works but also by shedding light on the breadth of his musical associations and recordings. Brazier and his quartet’s performance served as both a celebration and a re-examination of a pivotal figure in jazz history.

Specific details regarding the date of the concert and audience size remain limited, but the artistic choices and execution suggest a thoughtful and engaging experience for those present. This tribute underscores the ongoing relevance of Chet Baker’s music and its capacity to inspire contemporary jazz musicians like Toby Brazier.