This 1988 concert was Chet Baker's last, for he died just two weeks after the performance. The set features Baker with the NDR Big Band, the Radio Orchestra Hannover, or a small combo, and includes mostly standards and cla... more »ssic jazz compositions, all chosen by Chet Baker as his favorites. Formerly under license to Justin Time, now exclusively available from ENJA.« less
This 1988 concert was Chet Baker's last, for he died just two weeks after the performance. The set features Baker with the NDR Big Band, the Radio Orchestra Hannover, or a small combo, and includes mostly standards and classic jazz compositions, all chosen by Chet Baker as his favorites. Formerly under license to Justin Time, now exclusively available from ENJA.
"This is one of the best live recordings I have ever heard in any style of music. Chet, accompanied by orchestra, sounds great here on famous tunes like Davis' 'All Blues' (a wonderful opener before an enthusiastic crowd) and others such as 'I fall in love too easily' and 'My funny valentine'. The orchestra strikes just the right note-never overplaying their hand, but providing Chet with the foundation he needs. I like the fact that most of these performances clock in at over 6 minutes. They are lengthy, but not overly so, they are just right. Baker has never sounded better in my opinion. Sadly, he died shortly after these recordings after falling (some say he was pushed) from a third story window. Years of drug abuse left this formerly handsome go-getter a gaunt, pale man. What a shame.Recommended."
He went out on a high note.
Rick Mathis | 02/28/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I enjoy these two discs for much of the same reasons that I prefer Billie Holiday's later music. Sure, both of their voices had lost what range they had once possessed. Yes, their voices cracked and were off key much of the time; victims of the addictions which eventually claimed both of their lives. But like Billie, Chet Baker's voice developed an emotional level which often bordered on the scary. Just listen to him on the two versions of "My Funny Valentine" presented here, and see if you don't find yourself wiping away a few tears. Mr. Baker's trumpet playing, however, never seemed to fall victim to his addictions. If anything, its beauty only continued to bloom. The concert presented here was recorded only 2 weeks before the artists death and features the wonderful NDR Big Band and Radio Orchestra Hanover. For the pure emotional impact of the music, I highly recommend these discs."
Brilliant Finale
L. Dann | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States | 04/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This set of CD's is nothing less than a complicated whole, part anguish part ecstatic frisson; it tears your heart out while making you soar. The final concert marked the end of Baker's long and highly visible personal decline, with a ghost of a former voice hanging on a still vital horn. For me, the result is about as close to perfection as I care to get.
It is that odd accomplishment where the flaw elevates the beauty. His, "I Fall In Love To Easily" is not the lament of a young man but a bittersweet commentary of a well travelled journeyman in pursuit of many passions, love, perhaps one of the fonder remembrances. The listener has the rare opportunity in the two versions of "My Funny Valentine" to discover the transient and complex nature of each version and on the way, no one's nature is left untouched.
I am sure I'm not alone in claiming this as one of the most important albums of my life. The songs belong to him, they're only standards if you missed the later strivings of Chet."
An evening to cherish.
J. Schodowski | Oakland County, MI | 10/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If we only knew that this now-historic date would be the last stop in a short and often troubled life of Chet Baker....
The setting for this recording is truly brilliant. Chet is accompanied by an 18 piece big band as well as a 43 piece symphony orchestra. Together, a unique musical experience is formed as the NDR big band is accented by the soft and almost whimsical sound of the string section. Additionally, the musical styling of John Schroder's guitar adds layers of depth and punctuation to an already tight rhythm section.
This recording has all the makings for greatness. This set includes jazz greats like All Blues, Summertime, Tenderly, and In Your Own Sweet Way. Chet reminds us of the voice that we all fell in love with during a heartfelt homage to days past with My Funny Valentine. Even through the false teeth and rough exterior, Chet exposes his tender soul with each word.
The fuzzy sound of his trumpet can be heard on the back-end of the beat while Chet's solos are simple in nature, they become wildly complex as he effortlessly weaves in and out of the changes.
Chet provides a taste of his prototypical West-Coast sound in Monk's classic, "Well You Needn't" as he dances with the NDR big band in a rather exciting musical exchange.
I do believe this CD belongs in the company of other great jazz recordings. It certainly would be a welcomed addition to any collection.
Special recognition is in order of Executive Producer, Matthias Winckelmann for bringing such a fine recording to the masses.