The deep connection between music and language is an interesting avenue of thought and study. In the past I've written a few times about the relationship between literature and music, specifically how the best rock bands are always the ones that are the most well-read. And it happens in jazz too. Chet Baker, as both trumpeter and vocalist, was an artist who allowed his work to be informed by both sides of the equation. His playing has a vocal quality, and his singing is reminiscent of his trumpet-playing. In fact, his vocal improvising is hard to distinguish from his instrumental work. You can hear it clearly on "Do It the Hard Way", where his vocal solo is every bit as sophisticated as the one that follows it - by the excellent Kenny Drew on piano. Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VWOO4U0ABs. More on Chet tomorrow.