Chet Baker - The Complete Timeless Records Albums Collection

[CJ Shearn]

Late to the party but I preordered as well.  My dad who is very ill and will probably pass at any time now (and we've had a tough road) loved Chet and this will remind me of him.

[John L]

Due to this thread, I revisited the Chet Baker Timeless albums in this package.   While there is some good music here, especially "Mr. B," I would say that this is a below average representation of Chet's music from this period.  The duo album with Philip Catherine was a disappointment (IMO).  I also find the two albums with Harold Danko to be OK, but not outstanding.  "Sings Again" is nothing special, little playing and not his best singing.   Along with Mr. B., there is quite a lot of better Chet to be had from this period (IMO), including The Sejun Radio Shows, The Improviser, At Capolinea, Nightbird (with Sal Nistico), Diane, In Bologna, Chet's Choice, Strollin', Candy, Live at the Moonlight Club, Live in Tokyo, and Meets the Space Jazz Trio.

I can see why hard core Chet fans might want this.  But I would certainly not recommend this set to someone who wants a first exposure to Chet from this period.  Other than Mr. B, Timeless did not get the best of Chet from this period (IMO).  

[Niko]

You're missing my favorite album (Crystal Bells on LDH / Igloo) but other than that I agree

[John L]

22 minutes ago, Niko said:

You're missing my favorite album (Crystal Bells on LDH / Igloo) but other than that I agree

You are right.  I forgot about that one!   Superb!

In fact, Dragon also released a concert recorded right after Crystal Bells in Sweden with the Ake Johansson Trio that is quite good. 

Edited March 21 by John L