Fans of Chet Baker know that the trumpeter and vocalist's career is divided into two distinctly different periods: His elegantly minimalist 1950s work where he helped define the "cool jazz" sound of the period, and his lat... more »er efforts that were maddeningly inconsistent. This aural document from his later years--recorded in Oslo in 1983--falls into the latter category, and it's a decidedly mixed bag. Baker's voice is, sadly, far from in its top form, and his vocal performances here on standards like "Just Friends" and "But Not For Me" show him straining. Still, there are plenty of reasons to like this live recording. Stan Getz himself is in fine form throughout, his tenor saxophone tone still as rich and full-bodied as ever (especially on his gorgeous opening solo on "I'm Old Fashioned"), and his backing group (Jim McNeely on piano, George Mraz on bass and Victor Lewis on drums) swings superbly. Baker's trumpet playing was also in much finer form than his voice, and during his better moments here--as on his interplay with Getz on a lovely version of "Star Eyes"--a bit of his old self shines through. --Ezra Gale« less
Fans of Chet Baker know that the trumpeter and vocalist's career is divided into two distinctly different periods: His elegantly minimalist 1950s work where he helped define the "cool jazz" sound of the period, and his later efforts that were maddeningly inconsistent. This aural document from his later years--recorded in Oslo in 1983--falls into the latter category, and it's a decidedly mixed bag. Baker's voice is, sadly, far from in its top form, and his vocal performances here on standards like "Just Friends" and "But Not For Me" show him straining. Still, there are plenty of reasons to like this live recording. Stan Getz himself is in fine form throughout, his tenor saxophone tone still as rich and full-bodied as ever (especially on his gorgeous opening solo on "I'm Old Fashioned"), and his backing group (Jim McNeely on piano, George Mraz on bass and Victor Lewis on drums) swings superbly. Baker's trumpet playing was also in much finer form than his voice, and during his better moments here--as on his interplay with Getz on a lovely version of "Star Eyes"--a bit of his old self shines through. --Ezra Gale
CD Reviews
Chet in a different light
11/04/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"We realize this is not the Chet of the 1950's--young and minimalist. But somehow the listener is brought into the thinking of Chet's jazz language. Specifically, Just Friends is a masterful example of how a horn player thinks. Baker vocalizes beautifully--as his horn is an extension of his inner voice--in this cut is his inner voice. It's important to realize that the genius of great artists is exposed at the lowest point in life. Baker is seasoned on this album, in a tragic sense, and it does not diminish the artistry."
Quintessence , Volume 1 (Live)
08/21/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Although I've never listened to Baker much I found him fun to listen to on this recording. Sure his voice is strained but he scat sings surprisingly well on But Not For Me and on Just Friends. On both tunes you can really hear the mind behind the trumpet. Mraz, who is usually a fantastic bassist, rushes in several spots but Jim McNeely plays great piano on this recording (what ever happened to him?).Considering the overall shape both men were in during the 80's this isn't a bad CD to sit back and listen to. Two old war horses playing comfortable tunes with a very good rhythm section."
At moments wonderful, at others, unlistenable
D Sudduth | 07/26/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"My two favorite jazz musicians are Chet Baker and Stan Getz. They played their music with such style and coolness that really sets quite an atmosphere. This CD is one of those albums that satisfies and disapoints at the same time. Getz's solo opening on "I'm Old Fashioned" is probably one of his best latter day solos. Baker's voice is really shaky and the fact that he attempts to Mel Torme (Skat sing) his way through some of the songs when he should of been playing the trumpet is quite annoying. He does manage some good trumpet work though throughout the CD. Getz really does a good job with his solos but Baker, sadly, doesn't shine so well on the album. For some really good performances with these two in their prime get the "Stan Meets Chet" album or "West Coast Live". This album is just for the big fans of the two musicians."
Gems within are worth it!
D Sudduth | Minneapolis, MN | 12/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Even if Chet Baker has a few downs throughout, both Stan and Chet bring together a wonderful mix. Getz's opening solo on the first track is, by far, his BEST ever! This CD is worth that track. Again - his BEST solo ever. Listen to it over and over - you'll agree that's it's flawless and moving!"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1