Baker, Chet: Blood, Chet, & Tears (Verve By Request) LP

Somewhat of an oddity in Chet Baker’s catalog, Blood, Chet and Tears is a record of his efforts to adapt to the changing musical landscape around him in 1970. Baker leans into light and easy-listening territory. His renditions of the Beatles’ “Something” and the Archies’ “Sugar, Sugar” gives some indication as to who he was intending to appeal to. On a different note, Baker’s rendition of “Come Saturday Morning,” a song that received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, is moving and highlights his unique vocal approach. The Verve By Request Series features 180-gram vinyl, pressed at Third Man in Detroit.