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Late Night Jazz

Chet Baker

Label: Elemental Music
Released: 2024
Views: 1,098

Tracks

Skylark; If You Could See Me Now; The Bird From Kapingamarangi; How High The Moon; Makin’ Whoopee; The Ballad Of Buttersmile; Body And Soul; Alice In Wonderland; BlåMann, Blåmann; Children’s Waltz; Love For Sale; My Foolish Heart; I Want A Little Girl; Body And Soul [Alt Take]; If You Could See Me Now [Alt Take]; Makin' Whoopee [Alt Take].

Personnel

Chet Baker

trumpet and vocals

Philip Catherine

guitar

Egil Kapstad

piano

Terje Venaas

bass

Album Description

A unique and poignant jazz album, Chet Baker’s "Late Night Jazz." captures a rare and intimate moment from the final years of the legendary jazz trumpeter Chet Baker.

Recorded on February 17-18, 1988, at Sysmo Studio in Montmartre, Paris, "Late Night Jazz" showcases Baker’s extraordinary talent in a close setting. The session features esteemed musicians including pianist Egil Kapstad, bassist Terje Venaas, and Belgian guitarists Philip Catherine and Nicola Stilo.

This project, initiated by Norwegian poet Jan Erik Vold, envisioned a collaboration that blends jazz with poetic expression. While there were concerns that this might be Baker’s last recording session, he went on to record additional albums shortly after. Nevertheless, "Late Night Jazz" stands as a remarkable document of Baker's artistry during a challenging period in his life.

The album includes jazz standards and original compositions, with Vold's poetry seamlessly woven into the music. Chet Baker's legacy as a jazz icon is celebrated not only for his musical brilliance but also for his enduring presence despite personal struggles. This session captures him in a moment of raw and refined artistic expression, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into his creative process.

Produced by Jon Larsen, the album also features three alternative takes, providing further insight into the magic of the session. "Late Night Jazz" is a testament to Baker's resilience and passion for music, presenting a narrative of an artist who continued to deliver profound performances until the end.

Includes a 12-PAGE LP-SIZE BOOKLET with NEVER-BEFORE-PUBLISHED photos from the actual sessions, as well as specially prepared essays by the original producer Jon Larsen and music writer Brian Morton.

Album uploaded by Michael Ricci