by Ken Dryden
Although Chet Baker's recordings from late in his life varied dramatically in quality, this series of studio sessions is a high point in his career. After having his trumpet stolen, he plays beautifully with a borrowed flügelhorn throughout most of these songs with a powerful tone, especially on &Baby Breeze& and Hal Galper's intense &This Is the Thing.& Baker delivers some strong vocals on the session led by pianist Bobby Scott, though Scott's huge hit &A Taste of Honey& is marred somewhat by his odd honky tonk piano in the background. This is an unusual compilation worth acquiring.