Sings, Plays (Recorded Live at the Keystone Korner, February 1978)

Album review

This live performance of trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker recorded at the Keystone Korner, San Francisco in 1975 should hold little interest to anyone other than die-hard Baker fanatics. Featuring Baker on four standards common to his set list during this time, Sings, Plays does showcase the jazz legend scat singing through "But Not for Me" (he apparently broke his upper denture plate before going on-stage); this is a treat and must-hear for longtime fans, as Baker's singing sounds exactly like his trumpet playing. Overall though, Baker was not in good shape this night, and more than once he is audibly having embouchure problems. Similarly aggravating is the presence of baritone/soprano saxophonist Roger Rosenberg and an unnamed tenor saxophonist, who mostly serve to diminish Baker's role in the evening. The best Baker recordings from this later period -- including Chet Baker in Tokyo and Chet Baker in Bologna -- largely feature him solo in a trio or quartet. Most Baker cultists will gladly endure such irritations and for them this disc holds some brilliant moments, but with the plethora of stellar live Baker recordings available, it is hard to recommend.

© Matt Collar /TiVo