|
Review:Taken
from sessions recorded in Italy in 1962,
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
features
Baker at his
finest, and is an excellent introduction to the musician's non-vocal work.
As is the case with most
Baker albums,
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
feels like a quickly put-together session recording. The material is all
standard jazz repertoire, played in a no-frills format, without specific
arrangements or endings. It is the musicianship here that is the main
attraction.
Baker has rarely
sounded better; his technique is in top shape, and his solos are textbook
examples of lyrical bop playing.
Baker, as was not
always the case throughout his career, surrounds himself on
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
with strong and supportive sidemen. Guitarist
Rene Thomas,
underrecorded throughout his career, becomes one of the highlights of the
session, and makes the album a must-have for bop guitar enthusiasts. Tune
selection is surprisingly upbeat for a
Chet Baker
recording. -- Dan Cross, All Music Guide |
