Chet Baker Quartet - Live At Le Dreher Club 1980 Friday Concert

Review by James Leighton

The Chet Baker Quartet's album, Live at Le Dreher Club 1980 Friday Concert, is a stunning showcase of the group's talent and chemistry. Recorded during a live performance in Paris, the album captures the quartet's energy and creativity as they weave through a series of jazz standards and original compositions.

Baker's trumpet playing is, as always, exquisite. His tone is warm and mellow, but he can also summon a piercing intensity when the music calls for it. His improvisations are inventive and full of surprises, and he's equally skilled at playing ballads and up-tempo numbers.

The rest of the quartet is equally impressive. Pianist Michel Graillier provides a sensitive and dynamic accompaniment to Baker's trumpet, while bassist Jean-Louis Rassinfosse and drummer Charles Bellonzi anchor the rhythm section with precision and flair.

Highlights of the album include a soulful rendition of "My Funny Valentine," a swinging take on "Cherokee," and an upbeat original composition by Graillier called "Pamela's Passion." But really, every track on Live at Le Dreher Club is a gem.

Summary by James Leighton

Live at Le Dreher Club 1980 Friday Concert is a must-have for fans of Chet Baker and jazz in general. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Baker's music and the talent of the musicians he played with.