Recorded in September 1958 in New York, this album marks Chet Baker's return to the jazz scene after a period of legal troubles and addiction. It was his first release for the Riverside label.
The album features an exceptional horn section: Johnny Griffin on tenor sax, Al Haig on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. The lineup reflects the hard bop influence of the era.
Although not an immediate commercial success, 'Chet Baker in New York' is considered a turning point in his career, showcasing renewed musical maturity and a more aggressive interaction with East Coast musicians.