by Scott Yanow
After returning to the United States in 1964, Chet Baker recorded a fine album for Colpix, two for Limelight, and five (during a busy week) for Prestige. However, after that string, it would be until 1974 before the trumpeter recorded anything else worthwhile. During 1965-1966, he cut six remarkably commercial throwaways for the once viable World Pacific label. A Taste of Tequila was the first, featuring Baker's unenthusiastic solos on ten poppish tunes while joined by the Mariachi Brass, a rather weak derivative of the Tijuana Brass. Jack Nitzsche's arrangements must have sounded a bit corny even at the time. This LP is only recommended to listeners who are curious to hear how Baker (who exclusively played flügelhorn during this period even though he is pictured on the back cover of the album on trumpet) would sound playing &Tequila,& &Hot Toddy,& and &La Bamba.&