Greetings to all.

Chet Baker died two weeks after this Last Great Concert was performed. Sad, really; made even sadder when you listen to MY FUNNY VALENTINE. If this tune (as played here) doesn't bring tears to your eyes, then I imagine that nothing could. Heart wrenching--that's what this tune is. Mr. Peck (reviewer below) was so perfect in his description, that there is not much more I can add, except to say that, indeed, the orchestra and strings on MY FUNNY VALENTINE seem to be soothing and bathing Chet in some kind of morbid, yet beautiful honor. A tribute to one great jazz player, without doubt.

I have loved Chet's work for many years, and, out of the many albums/cd's I own by Chet, this recording is my favorite.

All of the songs here are performed impeccably. Chet's trumpeting is exceptional, given his frail condition. His vocals are moving. I especially love the vocal/trumpet combination on I FALL IN LOVE TOO EASILY.

Looking at pictures of Chet when this album was recorded is emotionally difficult. Once dubbed the so-called jazz playboy, for his handsome appearance, one can see how life treated Chet, and how he treated life.

Sometimes we all have to experience things, whether self-inflicted or not, that allow us to be the person we know we were intended to be. I know this is true of many artists, and it certainly was true with Chet.

I have been blessed to listen to Chet's music, and I hope this recording moves you as much as it moves me.

I highly recommend this wonderful album. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks for taking the time to read my review.

Rock On, Kids,

Dr. Of Style

Since this is Chet's last recorded work, there is an emotional element about listening to this CD. So for historical pruposes, this is an amazing recording. With regard to the quality, his trumpet playing is in top form; however his vocals are a bit weak. However, I'm not much of a fun of the big backing band here -- I prefer to hear Chet in a more scaled downed setting -- such as a small quartet or quintet. Therefore, I'll mark this down to a 4. If you like the larger backing band this is a must have; otherwise, just a nice addition to your Chet Baker collection.

Simple presentation. Good sound.

Fabulous inspiration in this concert !

If you want to know the most inspiring part of the life then you must have this one.

I was there, that night, and I have to admit that it was magic, indeed. Chet Baker was late, as usual, and when he came in his old Renault, trumpet in hand, he looked harassed and worn out. It was lingering near the stage entrance then and was shocked when I saw him. Troubled, I took my seat and expected a horrific evening by a once-great trumpet player who now looked like his ghost. I was told that he had not shown up for rehearsals, and his preparation with the NDR Big Band and his other accompanists apparently lasted only a minimum amount of time.

Then the musicians of the big band appeared on stage, Walter Norris, the pianist, sat down at his instrument and played the first chords of All Blues. Then Chet Baker finally appeared on stage and after a brief moment of preparation he played his first solo and I sat there dumbfounded. I was amazed at the lyrical power of his playing. The man was so much transformed when playing that I could not really identify him with the forlorn person who had entered the building perviously.

My Favourite Songs 1 & 2 give you the last concert in its entirety, and I must say that I have forgotten little of what happened 20 years ago. Every moment of that concert was memorable, and I was delighted when it came out on CD. So, whether you are new to the Chet Baker phenomenon or if you are an old fan, this is something to cherish. Go and get this recording of the last tunes one of jazz's greatest trumpet player ever played. To me it is worth six stars, just for the memory of it.

This is a great album. Can be very depressing to listen to though. His rendition of My Funny Valentine is nothing short of a masterpiece. Although he was messed up on drugs, his trumpet playing never suffered. Buy this cd if youre a true fan.