Emarcy released these 4 CD's of the complete 1955 - 1956 Paris Barclay recordings on CD in 1988. Volume 1 contains lot's of unusual Bob Zieff tunes introduced to Chet by pianist Dick Twardzik. The band is top-rate, the material is interesting, but with the exception of Sad Walk, not very memorable. Things start to pick up on the last tracks, when Chet is joined by a swinging septet (credited as "Chet Baker and his Orchestra"!?). The last tune, In Memory of Dick, is a tribute to Twardzik who died at age 24 during these sessions. Volume 2 contains no Bob Zieff tunes here, just standards. Unlike the cool bop Chet was playing with Russ Freeman around this time, these are mostly ballads. He's backed by a fine band and they swing pretty. Volume 3 is more of the same, but a little more upbeat. Volume 4 contains alternate, unreleased takes from the famous 1955/56 recordings.
Baker's Holiday is an album of songs associated with Billie Holiday by trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker which was recorded in 1965 and released on the Limelight label.
Baker's Holiday is an album of songs associated with Billie Holiday by trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker which was recorded in 1965 and released on the Limelight label.
Chet Baker lives! By taking lush string arrangements by Michel Hardy recorded after the trumpeter's death and incorporating them in what appear to be two separate quartets sessions led by Baker from 1986 to 1988, this CD is a loving tribute to an icon of 20th Century jazz. The recording of the strings is seamless, lovingly performed, and sounds as if it were recorded contemporaneously with the small groups. The ten tunes are mostly ones Baker performed before, including "Angel Eyes," "My Funny Valentine," "As Time Goes By," and "My Foolish Heart." Although Baker was not in the best of shape and has trouble with his vocalizing, his trumpet work is satisfactory and the sheer emotions produced are nearly awe-inspiring…
Chet Baker died two weeks after this Last Great Concert was performed. Sad, really; made even sadder when you listen to MY FUNNY VALENTINE. If this tune (as played here) doesn't bring tears to your eyes, then I imagine that nothing could. Heart wrenching–that's what this tune is. Mr. Peck (reviewer below) was so perfect in his description, that there is not much more I can add, except to say that, indeed, the orchestra and strings on MY FUNNY VALENTINE seem to be soothing and bathing Chet in some kind of morbid, yet beautiful honor. A tribute to one great jazz player, without doubt.
I have loved Chet's work for many years, and, out of the many albums/cd's I own by Chet, this recording is my favorite.
All of the songs here are performed impeccably. Chet's trumpeting is exceptional, given his frail condition. His vocals are moving. I especially love the vocal/trumpet combination on I FALL IN LOVE TOO EASILY…