Jazz@Kirkgate: An evening with The Chet Set

25th July 2027 7:30pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)

Kirkgate Centre

An Evening with the Chet Set: the Music of Chet Baker celebrates the life and music of Chet Baker from Hollywood pinup to heroin addict. The eponymous trumpet player and vocalist’s career saw him paired with artists as diverse as Charlie Parker and Elvis Costello before his untimely 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 for an engaging evening of stories and song. He is joined by The Chet Set, an ensemble of Northeast Jazz legends, to present an authentic American reading of the Chet Baker enigma and the West Coast sound.

‘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.’ – Bebopspokenhere

‘A “win win” gig; suiting both the jazz fan and the casual listener.’ – audience member

The Band

Pete Tanton is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Alabama. He studied jazz under Jerry Coker. He can be seen fronting The Chet Set, 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 in the Northeast and tours regularly with the Zoe Gilby quartet.