Chet Baker's "Late Night Jazz" is a captivating and intimate collection that offers a rare glimpse into the final years of the legendary jazz trumpeter. Recorded in February 1988 at Sysmo Studio in Montmartre, Paris, just three months before Baker's passing, this album is a poignant farewell to his extraordinary talent. The deluxe edition features 16 tracks, including three alternative takes, spanning a total of 67 minutes of enchanting jazz.
The album showcases Baker's signature sound alongside the exceptional contributions of Philip Catherine on guitar, Egil Kapstad on piano, and Terje Venaas on bass. The tracklist includes timeless jazz standards such as "If You Could See Me Now," "Skylark," "How High The Moon," and "Body And Soul," each rendered with Baker's distinctive touch and the band's impeccable harmony. The inclusion of lesser-known gems like "The Bird From Kapingamarangi" and "Blåmann, Blåmann" adds a unique flavor to the collection.
The deluxe limited-edition 2-LP set comes with a 12-page LP-size booklet filled with never-before-published photographs from the original sessions, providing an added layer of historical context and visual appeal. Whether you're a longtime fan of Chet Baker or a newcomer to his music, "Late Night Jazz" is an essential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection.