Chet Baker featuring Van Morrison - Live at Ronnie Scott's (1987)

This 1986 release finds the legendary trumpeter/singer at the end of his career. However, his inimitable style remains lucid and expressive. On this date, Baker plays a varied program, including uptempo Baker favorites "But Not for Me" and "If I Should Lose You." Baker was also one of the great balladeers of his generation, and even here, at the end of his life, his trumpet playing is unmistakably lyrical and "cool" on the soft-spoken and plaintive version of "You Can't Go Home Again." His mournful phrasing on the bossa nova-tinged "Arboway," highlights the trumpeter's fondness for breathy playing in the lower register of the instrument.

A funky version of Cole Porter's "Love for Sale" is a unique feature on this album, but even more exceptional is Baker's version of "Send in the Clowns," featuring Van Morrison on vocals. Finally, it should be noted that pianist, Michel Grailler, and bassist, Riccardo Del Fra, glue each tune together with impressive musical acumen.


Tracks:

01. But Not For Me
02. Arboway
03. If I Should Lose You
04. My Ideal
05. Nightbird
06. Love For Sale
07. Shifting Down
08. You Can't Go Home Again
09. Send In The Clowns

Personnel:

Bass - Riccardo del Fra
Piano - Michel Grailler
Trumpet, Vocals - Chet Baker
Vocals - Van Morrison on track 9