Ballads for Two

Chet Baker

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Ballads for Two Review

by Scott Yanow

Chet Baker often sounded at his best during his later years when playing with a quiet trio consisting of himself, guitar, and a bassist. For 1979's Ballads for Two, Baker is joined by not only guitarist Larry Coryell and bassist Buster Williams, but by the mellow-toned vibraphonist Wolfgang Lackerschmid (who gets co-leadership) and a very restrained Tony Williams on drums. The mostly little-known material (five originals by the sidemen plus "Here's That Rainy Day") suits Baker fine. The emphasis is on slower tempoes (other than Buster Williams' closing blues) including a pair of jazz waltzes. Baker's chops sound fine within the limited scope that he plays. The overall results are not essential but are worthwhile.

Track Listing

Title/Composer Performer Time Stream
1
Mr. Biko
Tony Williams
Chet Baker feat: Wolfgang Lackerschmid 09:13 SpotifyAmazon
2
Balzwaltz
Wolfgang Lackerschmid
Chet Baker feat: Wolfgang Lackerschmid 06:54 SpotifyAmazon
3
The Latin One
Larry Coryell
Chet Baker feat: Wolfgang Lackerschmid 02:30 SpotifyAmazon
4
Rue Gregoire du Tour
Larry Coryell
Chet Baker feat: Wolfgang Lackerschmid 06:39 SpotifyAmazon
5
Here's That Rainy Day
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
Chet Baker feat: Wolfgang Lackerschmid 04:19 SpotifyAmazon
6
Toku Do
Buster Williams
Chet Baker feat: Wolfgang Lackerschmid 06:32 SpotifyAmazon
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Ballads for Two

Chet Baker Discography Browser