Live in Sweden with Åke Johansson Trio
Chet Baker
A fantastic gig with the lyrical pianist Johansson. The mood is most definitely laid-back, and the sound quality is top-notch. The highlight is the sad, pretty "Lament". Chet blows sweetly, and when it comes time to hit that hit note at the climax of the song, you wonder if he's going to make it. He does. Johansson plays the next solo and he swings pretty with some great brush work by Levin. Next, Jansson plays a bowed bass, giving the tune an even more melancholy feel. Chet comes back and brings the song home with another lovely solo.

The rest of the LP is good, but it never reaches the greatest of that first tune. Chet hits more high notes on "My Ideal", and he gives an average vocal performance. After an OK-sounding "Beatrice", the band plays the beautiful Charlie Haden tune "Ellen and David". It once again features the bowed bass of Jansson to great effect, but Chet really doesn't have much too offer. He sounds a little tired by the time he gets to "You Can't Go Home Again". The last tunes were added for the CD release. The are more upbeat, but they don't really fit with the laid-back sound of the LP release.

______________________

Chet Baker - Trumpet, Vocals 
Åke Johansson - Piano 
Kjell Jansson - Bass 
Göran Levin - Drums
______________________

Dragon DRCI 178
Recorded September 29, 1983, Nefertiti, Gothenburg, Sweden
#6 - #8 do not appear on the original LP release
______________________

 1. Lament - 12:54 
 2. My Ideal - 7:41 
 3. Beatrice - 10:15 
 4. Ellen and David - 8:33 
 5. You Can't Go Home Again - 7:45 
 6. Ray's Idea - 6:27 
 7. Milestones - 8:17 
 8. But Not for Me - 8:00 

 

return to discography

chetbakertribute.com