Wolfgang Lackerschmid and Chet Baker: Ballads For Two

Here’s a latter day recording of Chet Baker, performing duets with vibraphonist Wolfgang Lackerschmid on this 1980 session. While not teaming with  power, Baker oozes with lyricism. With an open horn, he is gentle and restrained on “Blue Bossa” while fragile on a delicate “Five Years Ago,” sighing on an emphysemic “You Don’t Know What Love Is” that bears strong contrast to his mid 50s versions. When putting on the mute, he sounds dainty on an exotic “Dessert” and dances around lackerschmid’s little hints and suggestions for “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise,” walking on shells for “Why Shouldn’t You Cry.” Latter day Van Gogh with big dots on the starry starry night.

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