A tender exit…
Chet Baker – Late Night Jazz – Hot Club Records/Elemental Music #73401 – Two 180 gm vinyls – 1hr 7 min.- 1988 – ****
(Chet Baker – trumpet; Phillip Catherine – guitar; Egil Kapstad – piano; Terje Venaas – bass)
Cool toned trumpeter, Chet Baker, had a tumultuous troubled life filled with triumphs, and excruciating lows, due to drug addiction, run-ins with the law, and mistreatment of women. Initially, blessed with matinee idol looks, and boyish vocals, Baker’s musical tenure surprisingly lasted nearly four decades, with interruptions for jail time, and having to regain his embouchure after having his teeth knocked out (then needing dentures) in 1966.
Chet spent approximately his last 15 years in Europe, where he discovered an audience enraptured by his battle to continue his trumpet playing, while battling life’s demons.
In February, 1988, Chet Baker recorded sixteen tracks with a quartet in Paris at the Studio Sysmo. This was three months before his death on May 13th, when he was found, after falling, outside on the street, from a two story hotel in Amsterdam.
This two day session is now available for the first time outside of Europe. Transferred from the original tape reels, it has received the deluxe treatment by the boutique label, Elemental Music, with the audiophile quality LPs remastered by Matthew Lutthans of The Mastering Lab. They have also included a 12 page LP-sized booklet with never before published photos from the session, as well as essays from Jon Larsen, the original producer, and from music historian, Brian Morton.
The sound mix is superb, and finds Baker at his most tender, seemingly knowing that his end was near. He is accompanied by guitarist, Philip Catherine, pianist, Egil Kapstad, and bassist, Terje Venaas. He had been performing with Catherine for some time, and Philip’s guitar accompaniment is sympathetic, and adds to the melancholy, wistful mood. Pianist Kapstad provides piano fills that also add to the ruminating setting.
The song list is heavy on familiar standards, that Baker’s cool tone brings out the memories we have from these chestnuts, being played in this intimate setting. Though recorded in a studio, there is a feeling set, that would be welcomed by a live audience, moved by Chet’s life struggles, and gritty perseverance.
The “wearing his heart on his sleeve” talents that Baker displays are especially effective on such classics as “Skylark,” “My Foolish Heart,” “If You Could See Me Now,” and “Blamman, Blamman.” The emotional impact they bring is like wringing out a washcloth full of tears.
There is also a gentle swing brought by the quartet on lightly upbeat versions of “The Bird from Kapingamarangi,” and “Alice in Wonderland,” where Catherine and Kapstad step up in the mix. Philip blends very nicely with Chet on “Children’s Waltz.”
Chet Baker remained active over the last three months of his life. His talents are on full display here, and the remastered sound on this two-LP set, along with the photo booklet and essays, make this purchase a clear choice for fans of Mr. Baker.
—Jeff Krow
Chet Baker – Late Night Jazz
Tracklist:
Side A: Skylark, If You Could See Me Now, The Bird from Kapingamarangi, How High the Moon
Side B: Makin’ Whoopee, The Ballad of Buttersmile, Body and Soul, Alice in Wonderland
Side C: Blamman, Blamman, Children’s Waltz, Love for Sale, My Foolish Heart
Side D: I Want a Little Girl, Body and Soul (alt), If You Could See Me Now (alt), Makin’ Whoopee (alt)
