Chet Baker & Paul Desmond - Together: The Complete Studio Recordings (1992)

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Chet Baker & Paul Desmond - Together: The Complete Studio Recordings (1992)

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This is a compilation CD, containing seven previously released tracks. The total playing time is roughly 56 minutes. If you own the Chet Baker 1975 and 1977 albums entitled, "She Was To Good For Me "," You Can't Go Home Again" and " The Best Thing For You `, then you already possess five of the seven compositions.
The remaining two tracks, " You'd be So Nice To Come Home To " and " Concierto De Aranjuez " are taken from guitarist Jim Hall's 1975 solo album titled " Concierto ".
The primary advantage of this CD is collecting all the known joint studio recordings of jazz giants Chet Baker and Paul Desmond with assist from an all star team of supporting players. The recording dates range between April 1975 and Feb. 1977. This time period finds Chet Baker in his second creative peak. He'd recently returned to the music scene after a prolonged sabbatical due to an altercation which required major dental surgery and prevented him from practicing his art. He literally had to relearn breathing and lip technique to, again, master his instrument. These recordings demonstrate a renewed confidence in his creative abilities.
Unfortunately for Paul Desmond, these recordings represent some of his final studio work prior to his untimely demise. How Deep Is The Ocean? "and "You Can't Go Home Again ", recorded in Feb. 1977 were finished one week prior to his death.

Two tracks, "Tangerine ` and "Autumn leaves" originate from the July 1974 session produced by the legendary jazz icon, Creed Taylor. The material was arranged by the multi talented Don Sebesky. In fact, Don is responsible for all seven brilliant arrangements contained on this CD. The 1974 session also includes the contributions of Bob James, Ron Carter and Steve Gadd.
Both these tracks contain strong leads from Baker and Desmond with some clever weaving as only these two artists could deliver. Bob James electric piano is an integral part of these recordings with Carter and Gadd providing the critical rhythm underpinnings.

The April 1975 session consists of "You'd Be So Nice To Home To "and the 19 minute "Concierto De Arajuez ". This was a Jim Hall led gig for tracks destined for his solo album titled, "Concierto". The supporting players are the same with the exception of Roland Hanna contributing keyboards in the absence of Bob James. Listening to Hall, Desmond and Baker tackle these two works is simply inspirational. The added contributions of the legendary supporting players, Carter, Gadd and Hanna on these numbers are immeasurable.

Special note should be given to their interpretation of "Concerto De Aranjuez". This is a exceptional piece created in 1939 by the blind Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo. It was inspired by the gardens at Palacio Real De Aranjuez. It's a concert in three movements and although the composer did not play guitar his work actually captures the essence of this instrument. There have been many jazz artists who've attempted to interpret this work in the last half of the twentieth century. Some of the better known and recommended are the Modern Jazz Quartet and Miles Davis with the assist of Gil Evans on his masterpiece, "Sketches Of Spain ".
In my opinion, Jim Hall, with the able assist of Baker and Desmond, have created a 19 minute masterpiece of their own. Listen to Hall's guitar interpretation, the softer he plays it the stronger the piece becomes.

The final three tunes, "You Can't Go Home Again ", How Deep is the Ocean / and "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You / You've changed ". Originate from the Feb. 1977 recording date. Kenny Barron, Ron Carter and Tony Williams provide absolutely flawless support. Chet demonstrates nice vocal chops on "How Deep Is The Ocean", demonstrating his voice has made a full recovery from the major dental surgery. The chemistry between Baker and Desmond on these sessions is breath taking. Desmond's playing gives no hint of his weakened condition. What would prove to be his final recorded work just one week from his death stands right along side his canon of legendary solo performances.

"Together, The Complete Studio Recordings" is a major part of the Chet Baker and Paul Desmond recording legacy. This CD should be a treasured addition to the collections of any fan of these two artists. ~ Amazon Customer's Review

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Chet Baker & Paul Desmond - Together: The Complete Studio Recordings (1992)

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Chet Baker & Paul Desmond - Together: The Complete Studio Recordings (1992)

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