May 10 – The Chet Set

From Hollywood pinup to heroin addict, An Evening with the Chet Set: the Music of Chet Baker, celebrates the life and music of Chet Baker, the eponymous trumpet player and vocalist whose career saw him paired with artists as diverse as Charlie Parker and Elvis Costello, before meeting his end on an Amsterdam pavement.

American trumpet player and vocalist Pete Tanton performs highlights from the Chet Baker catalogue as well as some lesser-known gems, with musings on genius, acceptance, and that old saying, ‘You’re never really appreciated at home.’ The quartet brings a blend of musicianship and storytelling to present an authentic American reading of the Chet Baker phenomenon.

Bebop Spoken Here says: “Pete Tanton paying homage to his fellow American has proven to be a concert winner. Tanton’s the ideal candidate to do justice to Baker, both as a trumpet player and vocalist. Tanton’s relaxed demeanour holds great appeal, the audience hanging on his every word as he narrated the life and times of Chesney Henry ‘Chet’ Baker Jr.”
Jazz Alert: “Pete’s understated vocal style is certainly very reminiscent of Baker. His trumpet playing, however, has a broader stylistic base, which is all to the good.”

The Band

Pete Tanton is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Alabama. He studied jazz under Jerry Coker. He can be seen fronting The Chetset, a tribute to Chet Baker, and Cuban Heels, a celebration of Latin Lounge music. As the leader of Riviera Quartet, he has been featured on BBC radio. He tours internationally with various bands and has performed with a wide range of US and British artists, including: Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Shew, Donald Brown, Digby Fairweather, Paul Booth, Alan Barnes, Claire Martin, Denis Rollins, Bobby Wellins, Liane Carroll, John Faddis, Keeter Betts, Samurai Celeste, Joe Stilgoe, Bruce Adams, Mike
Lovatt.

In addition to playing bass in many of the region’s jazz groups, Mick Shoulder is equally at home on Gypsy guitar and tours regularly with his group, Swing Manouche. Alan Law’s piano style ranges from the classic sounds of the Great American Songbook through to Cuban and Latin funk. As the pianist for the Tom Waits tribute, Tom Waits for No Man, he has toured nationally and featured on BBC 6 Music. John Bradford is one of the most sought-after drummers and educators in the Northeast, and tours regularly with the Zoe Gilby quartet.