Crystal Bells

A meeting at the top between Chet Baker, whose velvety sound and moving lyricism are legendary, Philip Catherine, who plays with all the warmth and originality of his supple and determined style, and Jean-Louis Rassinfosse, whose resonant yet delicate double bass completes the magic of this recording. Now that Chet has left us, this recording will help us to live without his sublime presence. 'This hard-to-find CD gives us Chet in good shape, in good spirits, and with excellent sidemen. You know you're in for a treat, when you hear the opening lines of 'Crystal Bells' with Baker's sweet lines floating above Catherine's ringing guitar. After swinging pretty on 'Strollin'', Chet delivers one of his best performances of the J.J. Johnson standard, 'Lament'. Chet turns this sad tune into one of hope and happiness as his horn flutters through the melody, but still keeping the same traditional slow tempo...' M.E.