Ife Ogunjobi Salutes Chet Baker With New Take on “Speak Low” For ‘Chet Baker Re:Imagined’

The trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi from Ezra Collective is the latest artist to honor jazz legend Chet Baker as part of the upcoming tribute album titled “Chet Baker Re:Imagined“. His rendition of “Speak Low” has recently been made available. Originally composed by Kurt Weill, a composer renowned for his stage works like “Mack the Knife”, in 1943 for the Broadway musical “One Touch of Venus“, “Speak Low” evolved into a jazz standard. Vocal artists such as Billie Holiday and Tony Bennett, genre-blending creatives like Eumir Deodato, and jazz greats including Sonny Clark, Donald Byrd, and John Coltrane have all covered this song. However, it was Chet Baker and Gerry Mulligan who made one of its most well-known versions, which Ogunjobi is now reinterpreting for “Chet Baker Re:Imagined“.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my thoughts about Ogunjobi’s rendition of “Speak Low,” which clocks in at a little over four minutes. This interpretation is a vibrant blend of his personal musical flavors, with the infectious Afrobeat pulses from his collaborations with Ezra Collective adding an exciting twist. His trumpet playing, marked by a soulful yet victorious tone, also shines brightly throughout this piece. Listening to Baker’s jazz music during his formative years significantly influenced him and is evident in this beautiful performance.

In my youth, while mastering the trumpet and jazz tunes, I encountered Chet Baker’s music. His sounds resonated with me deeply, appearing soulful and genuine. His trumpeting and singing were both authentic, relatable, and I believe I absorbed a valuable lesson from him – to express oneself truthfully when performing, whether singing or playing an instrument.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m diving into Ife Ogunjobi’s unique perspective on the “Speak Low” project right now. Gear up for the captivating “Chet Baker Re:Imagined”, a tribute album dropping on April 11. This musical masterpiece boasts fifteen tracks, each crafted by artists ranging from Ogunjobi to Benny Sings and Poppy Daniels, promising an unforgettable experience!

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=album/4u09Gk0TzrFZvtsDeVmqixhttps://embed.music.apple.com/us/album/speak-low/1790483968

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2025-02-01 23:56