Sings

Recorded with pianist Russ Freeman's ensemble in 1954 and 1956, this is the archetypal Baker release, and the first one to get if you're testing the waters. Baker sings standards (including "My Funny Valentine," of course) as if stepping out of an androgynous dream, although it would take another 20 years of hard living for his voice to take on otherworldly qualities. Relaxed West Coast swing such as this can't be duplicated today. In its sweetly melancholic post- war foreboding, this is a Mike Davis book set to music. "Sings" should be on the required listening list for any history class covering the city of L.A. --D. Strauss