Customer Reviews

Quintessence 1

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

 

 

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.

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!

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.

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.

Painfully Painfully off-key. like fingernails on a chalkboard. FLAT. Baker's singing isn't even close to on-key.

Chet Baker is too intoxicated to sing on-key. The cover picture will show that Stan is either bored or VERY angry and having to be on stage with this doper.

When Baker plays and stops singing the music really improves...Getz is wonderful throughout