If proof is ever needed that there are too many Chet Baker albums around, this album can serve as evidence. Baker is caught on an off day; his playing during the first chorus of the opening "Long Ago And Far Away" is so flawed that one wonders why the musicians did not stop and try a second version. Chet's singing was always an acquired taste; check out his melody statement on "Isn't It Romantic," which is fortunately his only singing for the day. Has he ever sounded more out of tune? It is a pity, for the recording quality is good, the European rhythm section (pianist Butch Lacy, bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Jukkis Uotila) is fine, and the repertoire (five standards and Lacy's "Two in the Dew") is quite suitable. But there are far too many tentative and hesitant moments (along with a few clams) for this set to be on the level it should have been. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. Long Ago And Far Away (Kern)
02. Her’s That Rainy Day (Van Heusen)
03. Two In The Dew (B. Lacy)
04. I Should Care (Van Heusen)
05. Out Of Nowhere (Heyman / Green)
06. When Sunny Gets Blue (Fisher)
07. Isn’t It Romantic (Rodgers)
08. You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To (Porter)
CHET BAKER trumpet, vocal
BUTCH LADY piano
JASPER LUNDGAARD bass
JUKKIS UOTILA drums
Recorded at Sound Track Studios, Copenhagen February 23, 1986
SteepleChase SCCD 31221