CHET BAKER - As Time Goes By (1986-2020) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

While Baker's chops are clearly subpar there is a quaint romanticism to it all that somehow snares the listener. Performing with a first-rate trio (pianist Harold Danko, bassist Jon Burr, and drummer Ben Riley), the trumpeter runs through ten tunes, most of which Baker has recorded before. Nonetheless, the more than an hour of recording time gives everyone a chance to stretch. And, Baker's vocals on "As Time Goes By" and "Round Midnight" are never tiring. Baker is a more than a bit muddled in his singing, sounding as though his mouth is filled with steel wool. Yet, the feelings he displays are so pure and touching that every note is imbued with deep emotion. Most of the songs are performed slowly, sometimes heart-wrenchingly so. While Baker seems tired, there is a cool, raw touch throughout, making this a decent example of the trumpeter's later playing. His range seems even more limited than usual, too. Danko is a thorough joy, and plays splendidly in support. by Steve Loewy
Tracklist :
1    You And The Night And The Music 5:24
Vocals – Chet Baker
Written By – Arthur Schwartz, Howard Dietz
2    As Time Goes By 6:40
Written-By – Hupfeld
3    My Melancholy Baby 6:52
Written-By – Burnett, A. Norton, Watson
4    I'm A Fool To Want You 8:38
Written-By – Wolf, Herron
5    When She Smiles 6:00
Written-By – Harold Danko
6    Sea Breeze 6:54
Written-By – Jon Burr
7    You Have Been Here All Along 7:37
Written-By – Jon Burr
8    Angel Eyes 6:04
Written By – Earl K. Brent, Matt Dennis
9    You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To 4:27
Written-By – Cole Porter
10    Round Midnight 7:33
Written-By – Cootie Williams, Thelonious Monk
Credits :
Bass – Jon Burr
Drums – Ben Riley
Piano – Harold Danko
Trumpet, Vocals – Chet Baker

CHET BAKER WITH STRINGS - Heratbreak (1991) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Chet Baker lives! By taking lush string arrangements by Michel Hardy recorded after the trumpeter's death and incorporating them in what appear to be two separate quartets sessions led by Baker from 1986 to 1988, this CD is a loving tribute to an icon of 20th Century jazz. The recording of the strings is seamless, lovingly performed, and sounds as if it were recorded contemporaneously with the small groups. The ten tunes are mostly ones Baker performed before, including "Angel Eyes," "My Funny Valentine," "As Time Goes By," and "My Foolish Heart." Although Baker was not in the best of shape and has trouble with his vocalizing, his trumpet work is satisfactory and the sheer emotions produced are nearly awe-inspiring. While there is much better Baker available, this unique and creative approach to adding the strings posthumously is surprisingly attractive and opens endless possibilities. The rhythm sections, one of which includes drummer Ben Riley and pianist Harold Danko, blend smoothly and inconspicuously, permitting the focus to be Chet's singing and trumpeting. by Steve Loewy
Tracklist :
1     Angel Eyes 5:06
Earl Brent / Matt Dennis
2     All of You 3:42
Cole Porter   
3     My Funny Valentine 7:15
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers   
4     Blue Moon 4:16
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
5     I'm a Fool to Want You 7:53
Joel Herron / Frank Sinatra / Jack Wolf
6     You and the Night and the Music 4:27
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
7     As Time Goes By 5:46
Herman Hupfeld
8     'Round Midnight 6:54
Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
9     My Melancholy Baby 4:38
Ernie Burnett / George Norton
10     My Foolish Heart 7:42
Ned Washington / Victor Young
Credits :
Arranged By – Michael Hardy
Bass – John Burr, Ricardo Del Fra (faixas: 2, 3)
Conductor – Jürger Hermann
Drums – Ben Riley, John Engels (faixas: 2, 3)
Piano – Harold Danko, Michel Graillier (faixas: 2, 3)
Strings – Funk Haus Berlin String
Trumpet, Vocals – Chet Baker