Remarkable
This is the most consistently listenable Chet Baker album that I've heard, and I have several. I knew that Baker was still able to perform in the last years of his life (I've seen the 1988 documentary about him, "Let's Get Lost"), but I was stunned by how good he is in this, his last recorded concert. (He died two weeks after this 1988 live show, which was recorded in Germany.) His skill and maturity as an artist (Chet was never mature as a person) are on display. For example, his fifties version of "I Get Along Without You Very Well" seemed mannered and somewhat precious and is hard for me to listen to, but here it is one of my favorite songs on the album. How did he do that? If you know to listen for it (now that I've told you) you might very occassionally notice that he sings like a man wearing dentures (which he did wear), but most of the time it is the same boyish voice of his youth only now with just the right tinge of world-weariness. The theme of the concert is "My Favorite Songs." Chet even blows and sings "My Funny Valentine" a second time for his encore without wearing out the oft-played tune's welcome. (Again, how did he do that?) Chet probably plays the trumpet a bit more than he sings on this one. There are great extended instrumentals of "Summertime" and other standards. It's amazing how he can play one tune sweetly slow and the next one nimbly fast. My main criticism of this beautifully produced concert album is directed toward the backing by a lush orchestra, which makes the album sound overproduced at times, but there are also good jazz performances by side men on piano, guitar and wind instruments. (Sorry, I'm too lazy to look up who they are.)

When I heard "ALL BLUES", I knew...
I had made the right decision!

Not a 'die-hard' Baker fan, indifferent about the trumpet. I own but one other piece of his music...an lp "Chet Baker with Strings" that was included in a large jazz album purchase. ...it was enough to spark interest.

After listening to the many many clips on Amazon, indecisive me ventured to YouTube and was treated to seeing him speak, perform, hearing a most amazing compilation of music. That was the deal breaker for me. I decided to begin where he left off. ..."The Last Great Concert"

The vocals sometimes waivering, but a sound with soul, more feeling than his early years. And the trumpet...I don't think I want to know it in any other way. It's quiet, it's mellow, it's jazz...
All Blues, My Funny Valentine, Well You Needn't, Summertime, Django--the standouts for me and I'm just a sucker for Tenderly.

I'll be coming back for more because...I'm also a sucker for Embraceable You.

Ok....
Not a bad cd, he's reminiscent of Keith Richards looks wise...One of the best aspects of the packaging is his picture, which is great for showing your children what drug addiction will do to you.

He should have given up singing...I can't figure out what the other reviewers thought was so great about My Funny Valentine...instrumentally it was spot on, but then he began to sing....

Only for the hardcore Chet fans, IMHO.

An evening to cherish.
If we only knew that this now-historic date would be the last stop in a short and often troubled life of Chet Baker....

The setting for this recording is truly brilliant. Chet is accompanied by an 18 piece big band as well as a 43 piece symphony orchestra. Together, a unique musical experience is formed as the NDR big band is accented by the soft and almost whimsical sound of the string section. Additionally, the musical styling of John Schroder's guitar adds layers of depth and punctuation to an already tight rhythm section.

This recording has all the makings for greatness. This set includes jazz greats like All Blues, Summertime, Tenderly, and In Your Own Sweet Way. Chet reminds us of the voice that we all fell in love with during a heartfelt homage to days past with My Funny Valentine. Even through the false teeth and rough exterior, Chet exposes his tender soul with each word.

The fuzzy sound of his trumpet can be heard on the back-end of the beat while Chet's solos are simple in nature, they become wildly complex as he effortlessly weaves in and out of the changes.

Chet provides a taste of his prototypical West-Coast sound in Monk's classic, "Well You Needn't" as he dances with the NDR big band in a rather exciting musical exchange.

I do believe this CD belongs in the company of other great jazz recordings. It certainly would be a welcomed addition to any collection.

Special recognition is in order of Executive Producer, Matthias Winckelmann for bringing such a fine recording to the masses.

Perfect Notes and Space
I've always been a fan of Chet Baker's trumpet playing and his singing, but never took the trouble to analyze his lines until this album. His solos are like perfect modern sculptures in that they don't waste notes, space, or form. Nothing is superfluous. His 2 choruses of improvisation on All Blues and on In Your Own Sweet Way show the genius of his discipline. His attack is a little more "boppish" than Miles, but he uses spaces as brilliantly. I didn't realize just how magnificent he was as an instrumentalist until transcribing some of his lines on this recording. Wow. I also wondered how someone as dissolute and unhealthy as Chet Baker must have been, could have the strength and breath control to play those lines with so much fluidity and strength. He sustained a few languid tones and played some long-winded phrases with lots of notes over several bars. Imagine what he would have sounded like if he actually took good care of himself. His skills were under-rated. For my money, Frank Sinatra in a lifetime of Sundays couldn't sound one tenth as hip as Chet. Mel Torme might be another story. Great album with phenomenal solos.