Playboys

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Cat No: 950655

Format Details: Orange Vinyl

Format Details: Special Edition Yellow Vinyl /

Release Date: 26 January 2018

Label: Waxtime In Color

Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 8436559465366

Genres: Jazz Bebop

Release Date: 11 July 2025

Label: Ermitage

Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 3770024956887

Genres: Jazz Bebop

Description
Reissue of classic Chet Baker & Art Pepper LP 'Playboys' on 180g orange vinyl. The collaborations between Chet Baker and Art Pepper were originally issued in such a disparity of ways that it might seem difficult at first to think about them as a coherent body of work. Their first session, for instance, was originally segmented in a variety of compilation albums, one tune each, and many times the selections were even abridged, suppressing a solo here or there. (Although it was recorded at the Forum Theatre, in Los Angeles, the aforementioned date is not a live concert but a studio session, with no public.) Along with another equally splendid session, it was included in Baker and Pepper's most famous album together, Playboys, which was also released (with a totally different cover but identical liner notes!) under the title Picture of Heath (the title of the first song, and a reminder that nearly all of the album's tunes were Jimmy Heath's compositions - two are by Art Pepper).

Description

Released in 1956 'Playboys' is a masterpiece by legendary trumpeter Chet Baker and saxophonist Art Pepper. The album showcases the collaboration between two prominent West Coast jazz musicians and includes other notable players such as pianist Carl Perkins, bassist Curtis Counce, and drummer Lawrence Marable. The album is known for its cool jazz style, characterized by smooth, lyrical improvisations and a relaxed, swinging feel.
Due to potential legal issues with Playboy magazine, the album was reissued in 1961 as "Picture of Heath." This name change also emphasised the contributions of saxophonist and composer Jimmy Heath, who wrote most of the tracks on the album that's a prime example of the West Coast jazz style, which is known for its cool, relaxed sound, contrasting with the more aggressive bebop style of the East Coast.
'Playboys' features intricate arrangements and smooth, lyrical improvisations: tracks like "Picture of Heath" and "For Miles and Miles" highlight the seamless interplay between Baker's trumpet and Pepper's alto saxophone. Critics and jazz enthusiasts have praised the album for its cohesive ensemble work and the individual talents of the musicians.
Tracklisting
Tracklisting