Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 07/26/2008
Run Time: 62:56
This disc includes music used in
Let's Get Lost (1989), the
Bruce Weber directed biopic centering on the tragic life and times of the West Coast
cool jazz icon
Chet Baker (trumpet/vocal). As was the case during many of
Baker's final sessions, the artist performs with a makeshift combo of relative unknowns. Although
Frank Strazzeri (piano),
John Leftwich (bass), and
Ralph Penland (drums) had presumably not played live with
Baker outside of this project,
Nicola Stilo (guitar), who contributes to
"Zingaro" (aka
"Portrait in Black & White") surfaced off and on with
Baker throughout the '80s. Atypically, the combo is uniformly stunning throughout, sounding as if it had been backing him for much longer. With the exception of the aforementioned cut, the remainder of
Chet Baker Sings and Plays from the Film "Let's Get Lost" (1989) boasts both a quartet and trio setting (sans
Penland). Even though time and substances have given
Baker the visage of a man twice his age, those inimitable pipes and velvet tone have worn surprisingly well. The track list is quite literally replete with something old, new, borrowed, and blue, well
"Almost Blue," that is. He lifts the
Elvis Costello composition, which is possibly a nod to their previous collaboration on
Costello's
Punch the Clock (1984), where
Baker supplied a solo to
"Shipbuilding." Among the old favorites are
"Imagination," "You're My Thrill," "Every Time We Say Goodbye," "Daydream," and
"Everything Happens to Me," each being entries from
Baker's extensive repertoire. While
"Moon & Sand," "My One and Only Love," "For Heaven Sake," "Zingaro," and
"Daydream" are otherwise unavailable on sides issued prior to
Baker's death. Ironically, the title song
"Let's Get Lost" isn't on this album. While the tune was in the documentary, it is the familiar 1956 version. This leads to one of the primary criticisms that can be leveled at this collection -- it would have been well served by a supplementary volume of vintage
Baker featured in the movie, although presumably licensing prohibited such.
~Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
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