1. All Blues
2. My Funny Valentine
3. Well You Needn't
4. Summertime
5. In Your Own Sweet Way
6. Django
7. I Fall in Love Too Easily
8. Look for the Silver Lining
9. I Get Along Without You Very Well
10. Conception
11. There's a Small Hotel
12. Sippin' at Bells
13. Tenderly
14. My Funny Valentine (Reprise)
Chet Baker died two weeks after this Last Great Concert was performed. Sad, really; made even sadder when you listen to MY FUNNY VALENTINE. If this tune (as played here) doesn't bring tears to your eyes, then I imagine that nothing could. Heart wrenching--that's what this tune is. Mr. Peck (reviewer below) was so perfect in his description, that there is not much more I can add, except to say that, indeed, the orchestra and strings on MY FUNNY VALENTINE seem to be soothing and bathing Chet in some kind of morbid, yet beautiful honor. A tribute to one great jazz player, without doubt.
I have loved Chet's work for many years, and, out of the many albums/cd's I own by Chet, this recording is my favorite.
All of the songs here are performed impeccably. Chet's trumpeting is exceptional, given his frail condition. His vocals are moving. I especially love the vocal/trumpet combination on I FALL IN LOVE TOO EASILY.
Looking at pictures of Chet when this album was recorded is emotionally difficult. Once dubbed the so-called jazz playboy, for his handsome appearance, one can see how life treated Chet, and how he treated life.
Sometimes we all have to experience things, whether self-inflicted or not, that allow us to be the person we know we were intended to be. I know this is true of many artists, and it certainly was true with Chet.
I have been blessed to listen to Chet's music, and I hope this recording moves you as much as it moves me.
I highly recommend this wonderful album. You won't be disappointed.
Thanks for taking the time to read my review.
Rock On, Kids,
Dr. Of Style