For the initiate and the long-time fan, this collection is a career spanning glimpse at Baker's most brilliant performances. Trumpet and voice are both sultry, sad, and "suspended in air like a curl of cigarette smoke" (from the liner notes - which are an excellent companion to the music). This is pure soul, long and slow, melancholy and deep. The sound is clean but not overly so. The original grain comes through without the pops and clicks. From jazzman to junkie, this is the musical journey of Chet Baker on one carefully crafted cd.

I've given this three stars - not because of the music, which is fine, but for the sheer presumption of the title. This is not, in any sense of the word, an "ultimate" collection of Chet's vast repertoire. It is not even representative. Those just approaching this towering jazz icon will not be won over by this sometimes inspired, sometimes oddball mish-mash of selections. New fans will find a much better slice of Chet's multifaceted career in the excellent "Career" or "Chet Baker Sings" or the marvelous Barclay sessions "In Paris", or even the bopped out wonders of Chet Baker & Stan Getz on "West Coast Live". My personal favorite Chet CD is the exquisite "Embraceable You", a gem only recently discovered, after gathering dust on a shelf for 40 years. "Deep in a Dream" has its moments, to be sure, like the title cut, but the a capella vocals don't cut it, and several other cuts receive better treatment on other CD's. So get it if you are already a big fan, but look elsewhere if you are unfamiliar with the inspired work of this troubled genius.

This CD, issued in conjunction with the publication of James Gavin's new biography, "Deep in a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker," is an excellent collection of Baker recordings during his peak years. Included in the 19 tunes by trumpeter-vocalist Baker between 1952 and 1965 are three real gems -- 1953 a capella vocals of "Blue Room" and "Spring Is Here" that have not been issued until now and a cut of "Petite Fleur" that only appeared on an out-of-print Bud Shank LP in 1965. Whether you want to take your first step into the land of Chet Baker or add to an already large collection of this artist, this CD is for you. I also recommend Gavin's book.

Even a young musician can appreciate the smooth sound of Chet Baker. "My Funny Valentine" is timeless. This CD is truly a dream.

Thie album has too many weak vocals at the expense of some of his better instrumentals.