I enjoy these two discs for much of the same reasons that I prefer Billie Holiday's later music. Sure, both of their voices had lost what range they had once possessed. Yes, their voices cracked and were off key much of the time; victims of the addictions which eventually claimed both of their lives. But like Billie, Chet Baker's voice developed an emotional level which often bordered on the scary. Just listen to him on the two versions of "My Funny Valentine" presented here, and see if you don't find yourself wiping away a few tears. Mr. Baker's trumpet playing, however, never seemed to fall victim to his addictions. If anything, its beauty only continued to bloom. The concert presented here was recorded only 2 weeks before the artists death and features the wonderful NDR Big Band and Radio Orchestra Hanover. For the pure emotional impact of the music, I highly recommend these discs.

This set of CD's is nothing less than a complicated whole, part anguish part ecstatic frisson; it tears your heart out while making you soar. The final concert marked the end of Baker's long and highly visible personal decline, with a ghost of a former voice hanging on a still vital horn. For me, the result is about as close to perfection as I care to get.
It is that odd accomplishment where the flaw elevates the beauty. His, "I Fall In Love To Easily" is not the lament of a young man but a bittersweet commentary of a well travelled journeyman in pursuit of many passions, love, perhaps one of the fonder remembrances. The listener has the rare opportunity in the two versions of "My Funny Valentine" to discover the transient and complex nature of each version and on the way, no one's nature is left untouched.
I am sure I'm not alone in claiming this as one of the most important albums of my life. The songs belong to him, they're only standards if you missed the later strivings of Chet.

This is one of the best live recordings I have ever heard in any style of music. Chet, accompanied by orchestra, sounds great here on famous tunes like Davis' 'All Blues' (a wonderful opener before an enthusiastic crowd) and others such as 'I fall in love too easily' and 'My funny valentine'. The orchestra strikes just the right note-never overplaying their hand, but providing Chet with the foundation he needs. I like the fact that most of these performances clock in at over 6 minutes. They are lengthy, but not overly so, they are just right. Baker has never sounded better in my opinion. Sadly, he died shortly after these recordings after falling (some say he was pushed) from a third story window. Years of drug abuse left this formerly handsome go-getter a gaunt, pale man. What a shame.

Recommended.