Music and Recording Features

I never heard Chet Baker live, but I treasure several of his late-career performances. "Chet Baker in Tokyo" captured him in 1987, and the two volumes of "Live in London" caught him in 1983. These recordings include passages that evoke moments that "seem to exist out of time." Even toward the end of his life, when the alcohol and heroin exacted their maximum dues, Baker was sometimes able to enter a zone that few musicians ever approach. Ever so thankful for the recordings that allow us to marvel.

Mr. Conrad: several years ago Stereophile published your review of John Raymond's "Real Feels," his first recording with Gilad Hekselman and Colin Stranahan. I was intrigued and purchased the CD, which led me to become a Raymond and Hekselman completist. Two years ago I heard Real Feels (flugelhorn, guitar, and drums; what a combination!) at the Noce nightclub in Des Moines. I am not quite 60 years old, but those two sets may well prove the most wonderful evening of jazz I'll ever experience. Thank you so very much for sending this reader off on the adventure, and I hope several others as well.

This was a very enjoyable and thought provoking article. I'm going to have to read it again with a pen and paper. I don't mind.

Chet Baker In Tokyo [Live]: a recording that I use to enjoy the full potential of my stereo equipment (its in my reference playlist). Not only good in terms of sound (for a live recording) but also in terms of music / performance. "Almost blue" from this concert is one of my all time favorites.

I think you describe exactly what we are chasing. One of the most striking experiences like this I've had was when I went to an Elvin Jones show a few minutes late, and was seated directly in front of the drum set. The experience was otherworldly. The closest I've come to Elvin Jones on recordings is the astonishing Sonny Sharrock record Ask the Ages, particularly Bill Laswell's recent remastering.

for this beautifuly-layered piece of music writing. I enjoyed and I learned and I was inspired. Now want to experience more of what you've experienced. Like fetuso, I plan "...to read it again with a pen and paper."

herb

Read it again, but slower the second time :-) .........

Great article. I remember the first and only time that I saw Chet Baker in 1986. He looked like a ghost but played like an angel. I asked him to play "You Go To My Head" that he had just registered in duo with Paul Bley (amazing record "Diane" from SteepleChase) but he said he didn't remember the words so he couldn't. We chatted for a while before the concert and he signed a record that I had brought. I agree that Chet Baker in Tokyo is one of the best recorded and with great music.