Customer Reviews

Chet Baker: As Though I Had Wings

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Read without Chet's music playing, the book drags at some points; and it becomes abundantly clear the Chet was not a writer. There is, however, a certain pathos that emanates from it that speaks volumes to those who loved his work. Read with his music playing in the background, it becomes an emotional feast for those of us who shared our youth with his wonderful, sensual horn and plaintive vocals on some of the greatest jazz classics. It is hard to measure Baker since his talent--though abused by himself-- can never be denied. Read this book with his "Strings' album and it will be hard to keep a dry eye. I couldn't. Raw life told in a low key, subdued style--just like his musical interpretations. Well done, Chet, and thanks for the melodies and memories. We miss you.

This book should have 2 ratings. One rating for die hard fans (5 stars) and another for those with a casual interest (2 stars). It is a very short book it is padded by using large text and reproducing on every second page Chet's diary entries as the appeared in his note book. It is a nice package but really only for a genuine fan. I greatly enjoyed the book myself but I would be reluctant to reccomend it to the casual reader.

this wasn't written with a target audience in mind. It is not an autobiography after all. A reader who expects Baker to retroactively, posthumously, glamorize his life is not going to find that here. It is a simple subtle breakdown of experiences a memoir, not a confession or pledge of allegiance. It reads quick, its a poignant little piece sprinkled with occasional glimpses of pleasure but, as within most lives, insight doesn't typically employ a formula. That didn't bother me a bit. Its just the nature of this little sliver of reading experience. And its good!

I found this book incredible, due to the fact that Chet was high or strung out most of the time, yet he still found time (with the help of wife, Carol) to write about periods in his life which affected him most. Interesting read due to the fact that there isn't much about Chet in print.

I actually love Chet since I've been a fan to him when I begin playing the trumpet in middle school and all of that. Maybe 'cuz I never read a whole lot 'bout him but it's easy for me to go cop that and move on to the other biographies which I have'nt read yet. I'ma give it 4 stars just b/c it was really fun reading and enjoyable. I highly recommend you should check Young Chet: The Chet Baker Story, the documentaries Let's Get Lost and Live at Ronnie's Scott, The life of Chet Baker or sumthin.

This is must-read to those who wants to hear the true story about Chet. As to say Chet is one of my favorite trumpet players of all-time.

an entertaining and insightful, if short, glimpse into the lifestyle, if not life, of one of the greats of the west coast jazz scene of the early 1950s. the lack of details leads me to believe what was published here is, in reality, only an outline for a book which never quite materialized. a shame because this book gives you just enough information to make you realize that baker's life story would indeed make not only a great book, but movie as well. unfortunatly, there is hardly any material of substance here and the entire book could be read in less than an hour and a half. i would recommend it to those with an interest in the west coast jazz scene who are interested in a first-hand supplement to other, more in-depth, if after-the-fact, volumes on the subject. but i would suggest that, with only about 60 pages of actual text you would be better off reading it in the book store or checking it out from the library.

His writing is like his music, you are either deeply touched by it or else throw it aside as shallow and unimportant.
But if you open yourself up to his clear style, let yourself be invaded by his soft and melodious phrasing, his superb timing ... you are hooked for life !

It was informative, but very short. Chet Baker told his srories to the author, who wrote the book, but there were only about twelve stories.

I bought this book when it came out. couldn't wait. read it, wanted to slit my wrist and shoved it away! Re-read the thing recently and my opinion hasn't changed. You'll be inclined to take up smoking (or start again!), or some other balm after this relentless 'downer.' I wish I had bought a CD of Chet's I don't already have instead. After all, the MUSIC IS THE MAN, and, my God! what music. Mr. Baker's unique ability -- from the depths of abuse, desperation and excess -- IS HIS BIOGRAPHY, his legacy, and his brilliance. Don't read, just listen, close your eyes, and be transported!

It has always been a puzzle to me how an artist with the originality of Chet Baker, tries, and finally succeds, in destroying his talent and then himself;not necessarily in that order.

I just ordered Jeroen de Valk's book. I hope it gives me a more balanced perspective of Baker, who's music makes me smile and cry at the same time........