Last Great Concert 1 & 2 [Original recording reissued, Live]

Chet Baker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 31, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording reissued, Live
• Label: Enja
• ASIN: B000005C8T
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,578 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #19 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > Cool Jazz

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. All Blues

2. My Funny Valentine

3. Well You Needn't

4. Summertime

5. In Your Own Sweet Way

6. Django

7. I Fall In Love Too Easily

Disc: 2

1. Look For The Silver Lining

2. I Get Along Without You Very Well

3. Conception

4. There's A Small Hotel

5. Sippin' At Bells

6. Tenderly

7. My Funny Valentine (Reprise)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars He went out on a high note., February 27, 2000

By 

Rick Mathis - See all my reviews

This review is from: Last Great Concert 1 & 2 (Audio CD)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gorgeous time capsule, May 22, 2002

By 

Andy Williamson (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Last Great Concert 1 & 2 (Audio CD)

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.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As Good As It Gets, December 13, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Last Great Concert 1 & 2 (Audio CD)

This performance and recording was a true awakening. It would be an exercise in futility trying to find words to capture the electricity, excitement, wide-range of emotions, and artistic splendor that this live performance generates. When I'm weary and feeling small (to borrow a phrase), this is the music that inspires me to get up and get on with it. For me, Baker's "My Funny Valentine," like J. S. Bach's "Ciaconna" from the Partita No. 2 in D minor for Solo Violin, or Chopin's Nocturne #11 in G minor, is the music to which I turn during those dark nights of the soul. It provides the light, strength, and courage necessary to continue forward on life's long, unpredictable journey. This live performance, in what sadly was to be his final musical gift to the world, transcends all things temporal and elevates the human spirit to unspeakable heights. What an awesome legacy to leave us with! This was Chet Baker's night.