Customer Reviews

Last Great Concert 1 & 2

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is the finest version of All Blues ever recorded, even better than the Miles Davis original. Baker plays in such a poignant, sentimental, and backwards-looking style that it almost seems as if he knew this would be the last time he would ever play it. It brings tears to my eyes...

I've always been a fan of the late, great Chet Baker - a true musical genius. I'm giving this album as a Christmas gift to someone who shares my love Chet's music.