Chet Baker's iconic recording finally available. Is the jazz legend's music experiencing a renaissance?

Chet Baker's famous live recording of the iconic song "Milestones" is finally available. But it's just one part of a larger project dedicated to the trumpeter's music...

Ozzy Osbourne was called the Prince of Darkness , and Chet Baker received the title "Prince of Cool," referring to so-called cool jazz . The trumpeter and vocalist's music still lives on and delights jazz listeners and other musicians alike.

On July 11, 2025 , a live recording of the song "Milestones" was released, performed by Chet Baker at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival . It took 38 years for its release.

Of course, "Milestones" isn't a song composed by Baker. It's a work by Miles Davis himself, appearing on the album of the same name, recorded with the magnificent ensemble: Julian "Cannonball" Adderley (alto saxophone), John Coltrane (tenor saxophone), Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (double bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums).

The album is said to be one of the most famous modern jazz albums and helped shape the history of the genre.

The composition itself introduced modalism to jazz and defined Davis's subsequent music. The nearly 8-minute version by Chet Baker , now available, is captivating in its lightness, and the artist adds his signature trumpet sound.

Miles Davis's Milestones album cover / photo: promotional materials

The release of the recording now is no coincidence. The song will be part of the album "Let's Get Lost: Swimming By Moonlight," which will feature more unreleased Chet Baker recordings made toward the end of his life.

From 1986 to 1987, the trumpeter traveled and collaborated with photographer and filmmaker Bruce Weber on the Oscar -nominated documentary "Let's Get Lost."

The album will feature studio and live recordings that Baker recorded during that time, including at the aforementioned Cannes Film Festival and recording studios in Paris and Hollywood . The release date is October 10th.

Chet Baker's music continues to be discovered by young listeners and interpreted by other artists. On May 21st of this year, the compilation "Chet Baker Re:imagined" was released. Contemporary artists translate Baker's compositions into a contemporary sound, often incorporating electronic elements.

Chet Baker Re:imagined album cover / photo: Universal press materials

New to Chet Baker's work? It's never too late to start. The albums "Let's Get Lost: Swimming By Moonlight" and "Chet Baker Re:imagined" might be a good place to start!