Mr. Baker breaks my heart. What an authentic, unique, otherworldly talent he had. How a horn can invoke so much emotion. A true master and never forgotten.
I was so taken with Chet Baker's music the first time I heard it in college that I took up the trumpet and wanted to be a Jazz trumpet player. I've seen Let's Get Lost maybe twenty times. Later while in Europe, I went to Amsterdam and visited the hotel where he died. The clerk got upset when I asked about Chet. I walked out into the plaza, took out my trumpet, and played My Funny Valentine.
***** I would guess that it would be the former rather than the latter. The fact that there is a plaque at the Hotel Prins Hendrik, in Amsterdam, commemorating the death of Chet, would negate the second premise.
Chet only had a little over 4 months to live at this point, so sad. He does not sustain notes as well singing as he used to, but the horn still has it! But he is not well here, as one can tell, medically speaking -- that perspiring and sniffing is indicative of trouble. But Chet was NOT arrogant, he knew his music, he knew his failings, but he was a humble, gentle man. He only repeats what was said about him, and what interviewers prodded him to say -- what sells. There are a LOT of trumpet players out there, but few who put the soul in their horn like Chet did. RIP, man, we love and miss your inimitable talent! (As an aside, Chet is correct in part, about some of the countries he mentions! True!)
I was lucky enough to see chet in san francisco in the early eightees. What a gorgeous sound. No one like him since his passing....never will be. Hope he is resting in peace.
Sad to think that 4 and a half months after this interview, Chet Baker would be dead!!! A phenomenal loss to the jazz world. But he left behind a colossal body of work to enjoy. Thanks for the great post.
Damn you Chet Baker:( You just make me feel such internal sorrow when I think of your life, let alone watch these interviews..What a broken person...RIP Chetty
very sad good talent but addicted and he gave his life to hell entente b/c of some stupid fame he could been normal clean worker like his father and loved by few ppl than this fake world
Not that sad. The man was drowning in lady love for a few decades of his life. And even long after he's gone he's still making people happy with his music.
People always wonder what musicians would be like had they lived longer. Hendrix, Joplin, Cobain, etc. Chet Baker is the only example of a longer-lived legend that I can think of who really progressed with time. His face shows the experience of a hundred life times. Obviously, heroin contributed to that; but still. What a legend. Genuine art like this has immeasurable value; and I really wish more o us were keen to this fact. Shout out to all of you dive-bar legends that are committed to capturing feelings and imparting them immaculately.
Saw Chet, this sad, but brilliant introverted Jazz Artist a couple of times, during the mid-to late 70’s, at Nick’s Jazz Joint in Laren, Holland. An absolute spine-chilling performance and; you couldn’t hear a pin drop..... RIP Chet, you are truly very much missed. Cheers!
I always loved his comment when he first heard Wynton Marsalis..... 'If I could play the trumpet like Wynton Marsalis..... I wouldn't play the trumpet like Wynton Marsalis'. end quote.
Keep in mind that when Baker was interviewed this was at the end of 1987. If you remember, Wynton Marsalis was relatively new on the scene and he had a reputation as being a mouthy, arrogant know-it-all. He appeared on the cover of Time magazine and the media put him and a few others (...Joey Defrancesco comes to mind) up on a pedestal as the "future of jazz." Truth be told, Wynton Marsalis pissed off a number of older jazz musicians with his disrespectful attitude toward everyone. And it wasn't because they were harboring feelings of professional jealousy toward him. People like Dizzy and Miles were angry at him because he was disrespecting all of them. Hell, even his older brothers and people like Marcus Roberts had had enough of his shit. But much to Wynton's credit, he no longer runs his pie-hole non-stop like he used to.
Tysons Accosta The arrogance of Marsalis runs much deeper than that. He is extremely dismissive of anyone he does not consider to be part of the jazz pantheon. This mentality really effected the way jazz was explored and dealt with in the series, giving the whole thing a very narrow tunnel vision perspective. It is compounded by the fact that burns isn't a professional historian but in truth a failed novelist who uses cut and paste history to explore the narratives he wasn't able to create with fiction. The purist marsalis mentality did not stop when he was young, even if he curbs his tongue now. The jazz series is demonstrative of this fact.
Yes, the old "Bird" certainly knew what he was doing when he wanted to work with Chet! I was also performing when Chet was in his heyday, and anyway, he was mostly in Europe then, so I never got to see him perform but I wish I had! His music found me a few years ago, and I've never let go of it since! His sensual, soothing subtle style has a life all it's own, inimitable and irreplaceable I'm afraid, so we have only his tapes and recordings to know him by today. But his music is so special, that once anyone with any kind of an ear at all, will NEVER be satisfied with just one song, like me, they will search his music out and listen to as much as is out there and available now! So THANK YOU so much, to all who post these great numbers, so we can enjoy them, get into Chet's mood, and just relax and lavish our souls in what he left us! So CARRY ON, CHET, you are alive and loved in our world today, but as a legend, certainly!
Happy holidays to his wife, 3 sons and daughter (in Oklahoma)--- Chet was tortured by his genius and he left us all with his songs. From the documentary, he had an incredible Mother, who was so sweet and understanding. Great last interview....
The background chatter during auld lang syne felt like the series finale of a show. People crying, nudging each other and knowingly saying “happy new year, bro”. Got me right in the feels
Wow, Chet Baker playing his last New Year's Eve gig in Amsterdam, plus a great interview. How cool is that? I'm so glad somebody recorded it for posterity.
I imported a painting of Chet sat on a window sill in Amsterdam with trumpet comfortable as ever at his lips. It barely scratches the surface of how much I would die to see this GENIUS live!! It’s the best I can do on a daily basis coupled with UA-cam courtesy! Thankyou Chet for making it all ok...🙏
I don't think Chets life could be called " nonstop party" since once you are deep in addiction, your life is being passed out most of the time. Sick the rest of the time. I'm amazed he made it to any gigs, much less play as well as he did. His natural sweetness comes out in his singing and playing. Drugs made him a liar and a thief, and destroyed every human connection he made.
Music was Chet's life's blood. He had his downfalls, but it was very important that he return to music. I doubt there are very many in this world who COULD and WOULD work hard enough to come back like Chet did after losing his embouchure like he did. RIP Chet, your efforts were worth it because we're going to enjoy your music forever, so, YOU live forever also!
Great job guys. What a wonderful peek into the waning hours of a man that has truly contributed much to the art of Jazz. May God bless Chet and all of his...
How I love this man. Hope he's happy, wherever he is. Interesting what he says about cool jazz being more subtle and only requiring a piano, bass and horn, or a guitar, bass and horn.
Chet was a genius !!!! I get goosebumps everytime I hear that haunting masterpiece My Funny Valentine !!! Ive visited the hotel in Amsterdam where he died on a few occasions to pay homage !!!!! A true Great !!!!
He played his heart and soul, Amsterdam didn't judge his lifestyle, it all went hand and ha D with music, he had some months of fun and laughter, some of us are not meant to be around all that long, but our light shines brighter for it and his music will never fade, he is a remarkable musician, piana, bass horn and trumpet, nice and clean ❤️
His horn was clearly, to me, masterful. As Miles said about heart, feeling: "If it ain't in your soul, It ain't comin' out yer horn." And his vocals? the pain and passion? Whooo.
well for all his faults chet was a genius no doubt.drugs are and always will be a massive problem such a shame but all we can do basically Is listen to the music and enjoy his massive contribution to jazz.many thanks
can't be 100 % mad at their druguse cause it invokes a feeling unique to their experience they never would have known how to express otherwise. I agree with you though not worth the damage it causes.
yellowdart6666 Bullshit. Charlie Parker laid this nonsense to rest when he said something along the lines "anyone who says that drugs and alcohol make you play better is talking shit." You can probably find the exact quote somewhere out there.
Pan oRoya ya I remember that quote. my point was the pain they feel comes through in their playing later because it's a reflection of their life... nvm you know what haha. I am talking shit. forget what I said. stupid rationale. trying to rationalize things.
It's not the drugs that make you play better, but the suffering that leads to drug dependence. This is why superior music geniuses all used drugs. Within suffering, there is beauty and a connection to god (or consciousness or whatever) that one who has a happy existence cannot connect to.
Jessica within the suffering there is no beauty and your not connected to anything.i was a young pro bassist in the early 50s and I saw the horror of drugs.our own phil seamen was a victim and other top players.i played and spoke to most of them and given the chance they would have all stayed clean.you have good taste when it comes to music.many thanks.
Everything is equally a blessing and a curse. If one doesn't realize that, they will focus on the good or the bad of it. The truly talented rely on both to become great. He was great. One only has to listen to his singing to hear that, at all levels.
I think that it is sad that chet had so many demons he fought during his lifetime. I fought alcohol and was fortunate to quit at 34, about two and a half years before Chet passed. As sad as the demons are, and they are real. We have these recordings and his legacy of beautiful music; and it is all awesome.
One "Born to Be Blue" movie line always stands out and sums it all up for me, as he talks about Charlie Parker, and then relates it to himself. "Bird never hurt anybody but himself, me either....". Sadly that profound sensitivity geniously communicated through music (or any artistic media for that matter) is both a prized gift to humanity and an anchor to the individual artists soul...
Man here's one of the most influential lyrical distinctive voices jazz ever produced but no one ever just says anything flat out positive about him. I mean like a former teacher of mine who played with him or a you tuber teaching piano who played with him. geez give this brilliant cat a break... History will sort it out..
For an insight into Chet Baker's world there's an indispensable and highly entertaining book. It's "Straight Life", the autobiography of Baker's junko buddy (and fine sax player) Art Pepper. Written jointly with Pepper's wife, it's a compelling account of the world inhabited by heroin addicted jazzers of the era - in unforgettable detail. And, of course Bruce Weber's great film "Let's Get Lost". Great musicians these guys certainly were but they were also conniving, dishonest and manipulative: like every other heroin addict since time began.
I saw your comment two days ago, did some research about the book and realized that it was a must-read. I got it yesterday from my university's library and it's mindblowing so far!! Thank you !!
I agree. Art Pepper was a 3 time loser. Chet was luckier in that regard. Geniuses can be drug addicts and so can anyone. I dont believe Jazz musicians are any more likely. But it turns everyone into liars and thiefs. Chets sweetnness comes out in his music, but not in his relationships
it's hard to think chet had such a rough time throughout his life with no obligation of working. just playing and letting himself out:) . makes you ponder about comparisson between humans, such a stupid definition since we all have separate and unique roads to go through in this existence. thank you chet:) i'm quitting the stuff:)
New DVD of Chet Baker "Born to be Blue" by Robert Budreau. Wonderful!! (July 27 2016). At the moment available in Canada, USA and Great Britain. I write at the moment subtitles in German for this film (a private production, no commercial production) I had also a shortie by Robert Fevre "Chet's Romance" (1988/1997). This was a bonus DVD to the Audio CD "Chet Baker: Prince of Cool" (The Pacific Jazz Years). Also "Let's get lost". Searching: Chet Baker: Final Days and a belgian film. Chet forever!!!
Just can't believe all the banter, chatter and carrying on in the audience when he was playing. Those clods probably killed him! Yeh they did the great Chet in I think.
+jean bardy This was directed by my dad :) Don't know if you are actually allowed to upload this, but it is good that it is out it the open to be seen. This is the better quality version: vimeo.com/51216871 . In the same series of reportages, they did Arthur Conley: vimeo.com/51216870 . Cheers!
+Jelle Lieshout Hi Jelle . Well I don't have any right I guess, except I'm the bass player o the video so .:-) and I was looking for out since years , and a friend of mine had it on his computer .it's a kind of souvenir for me .. but thank you for your message , yes I think it's a good thing that it can be out , it's a good movie and interview. , if you agree i will use the better quality one. What happened this day.. was just crazy ..and a you can read below i get a lot of comments about drugs and junkies .. no so much about music .. :-) thanks again for you 'amiability" :-)
Hi Jean! No, I wasn't alluding to that ;) Just hope it stays on youtube. Fun! How long have you been playing with Chet? My dad sends you his regards. And of course you can use that version :) Who cares about those reactions! Chet used from the early 50's, even lost his embouchure for a while, but I am convinced he has always stayed Chet untill the end and that even his later work is brilliant. Wish you all the best!
+Jelle Lieshout Hello Jelle .Thanks for your answer and thanks your father for me, it's a great interview.. Well I'v been playing with Him for a year from April 1987 until April 1988 ; 15 days before he died .:-( Of course I was not the only bass player he was using ). But I did a few gigs, mostly in France , and this one in Amsterdam was incredible ..If you give me personnel email I'll tell you the all story.. as usual with Chet every gig was a specific story .. jeanbardy.fr all the best to you and happy new year .
Life for any person who decides to be a jazz musician is tough it's a tough road where most fail to make it due to poverty and lack of musical Outlets,drugs etc.
+Diego Funes If you're listening, for instance, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Miles Davis or Keith Jarret, you are not wasting your time...
I love John Coltrane too and the rest, but Chet Baker's music just hits me hard. I don't know. It's almost like you can feel his pain and life's journey in every note. I never even knew who he was before I listened to his music, and just the subtle sadness and coolness of it all made me an instant fan.
Well said! However, "Diego Funes" -- there are other musicians that I enjoy very much also, but Chet's music is up there at the very top of the list, it just DOES something to your soul that no other artists really accomplishes quite as well. It hurts so well! Sometimes I almost cannot bear it, but back I come.
MUSIC NEWS How Chet Baker really died Writen by Tom Schnabel,Jan,17,2012 A few years ago, however, after my enjoyable KCRW interview with James Gavin, I got a call from a patron at Santa Monica’s now-deceased record store, Hear Music, and was told that he knew what happened. He was there in Amsterdam at the same hotel. He said that Chet was chatting up a woman in the lobby, went upstairs to get some cigarettes or keys, and found he had locked himself out of his hotel room. The door to the room next door was open. He entered, went out onto the balcony and tried to get over to his own balcony. He lost his footing, fell and died. The caller told me, “Ask Little Jimmy Scott, he was there at the hotel and remembers.” A few months later I was sitting next to Little Jimmy Scott at The Water Court at Calfornia Plaza. It was the night after he’d performed there at the wonderful (and always free) Grand Performances series. I asked him about Chet. He said yes, he was there at the hotel, and was hanging out in the lobby with Chet when he went upstairs but never came back. Scott corroborated every detail the caller told me about Chet’s accidental death. Chet Baker was a great trumpet and flugelhorn player. And even as time ravaged him physically, his playing actually got better as he aged. Who knows how much longer he might have lived and continued playing had he not slipped and fallen, that fateful night at the Prins Hendrik Hotel?
Mr. Baker breaks my heart. What an authentic, unique, otherworldly talent he had. How a horn can invoke so much emotion. A true master and never forgotten.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
first words i ever heard chet baker say was “i Fall in love too easily” and i fell in love in that moment.
A favorite album of mine.
I was so taken with Chet Baker's music the first time I heard it in college that I took up the trumpet and wanted to be a Jazz trumpet player. I've seen Let's Get Lost maybe twenty times. Later while in Europe, I went to Amsterdam and visited the hotel where he died. The clerk got upset when I asked about Chet. I walked out into the plaza, took out my trumpet, and played My Funny Valentine.
*****
I would guess that it would be the former rather than the latter. The fact that there is a plaque at the Hotel Prins Hendrik, in Amsterdam, commemorating the death of Chet, would negate the second premise.
+Conan Shinn Thanks for doing that. Beautiful.
I like it. Right from the heart. Kudos for doing that for Chet.
You made it good, Conan! Right that what should be done staying at that hotel! Bravo!
Beautiful story, Connan.
Chet only had a little over 4 months to live at this point, so sad. He does not sustain notes as well singing as he used to, but the horn still has it! But he is not well here, as one can tell, medically speaking -- that perspiring and sniffing is indicative of trouble. But Chet was NOT arrogant, he knew his music, he knew his failings, but he was a humble, gentle man. He only repeats what was said about him, and what interviewers prodded him to say -- what sells. There are a LOT of trumpet players out there, but few who put the soul in their horn like Chet did. RIP, man, we love and miss your inimitable talent! (As an aside, Chet is correct in part, about some of the countries he mentions! True!)
well, at least we agree about Chet, M.J. Leger. 😄
He seems to have too much coke in his speedball.
I couldn't talk at all, with a condition like that, especially not with non-users or strangers.
I was lucky enough to see chet in san francisco in the early eightees. What a gorgeous sound. No one like him since his passing....never will be. Hope he is resting in peace.
Wow what a treat, your do lucky to have had that experience, please tell us about it, l love his music
"Yeah Bird, I'm here..."
lmao, this story has changed so much over the years!
I had a dream last night where I met Chet, he lit up a cigarette, smoked it and then walked away..
💘 ~ that's cool!
Woah
that's epic!
In a sentimental mood,
Sad to think that 4 and a half months after this interview, Chet Baker would be dead!!! A phenomenal loss to the jazz world. But he left behind a colossal body of work to enjoy. Thanks for the great post.
Damn you Chet Baker:( You just make me feel such internal sorrow when I think of your life, let alone watch these interviews..What a broken person...RIP Chetty
In much the same manner as Billie Holiday toward the end of her life, Chet could not play without baring his soul in the most honest way possible.
Sad man with a great gift to us all.
Not sad, very happy, now, I'm sure...
very sad good talent but addicted and he gave his life to hell entente b/c of some stupid fame he could been normal clean worker like his father and loved by few ppl than this fake world
His downfall was all brought to him by himself.
MEHARI DESTA Oh please. Try some empathy, OK?
Not that sad. The man was drowning in lady love for a few decades of his life. And even long after he's gone he's still making people happy with his music.
People always wonder what musicians would be like had they lived longer. Hendrix, Joplin, Cobain, etc. Chet Baker is the only example of a longer-lived legend that I can think of who really progressed with time. His face shows the experience of a hundred life times. Obviously, heroin contributed to that; but still. What a legend. Genuine art like this has immeasurable value; and I really wish more o us were keen to this fact. Shout out to all of you dive-bar legends that are committed to capturing feelings and imparting them immaculately.
I like your comment and concur, sir. Peace. RIP Chet. Kerouac turned me on to Chet btw.
Coltrane!
The great musicians, live as long as they live. Nobody wondering why they died young. It's just realized, that's what happened.
Saw Chet, this sad, but brilliant introverted Jazz Artist a couple of times, during the mid-to late 70’s, at Nick’s Jazz Joint in Laren, Holland. An absolute spine-chilling performance and; you couldn’t hear a pin drop..... RIP Chet, you are truly very much missed. Cheers!
Saw him in NY, late 70s. Goose bumps, still
He was INCREDIBLE. Such sad soul .. but what a beautiful talent . I’m obsessed with this guy .
Me too
Same thing here
Same here
Chet was born in 1929. He's be be 85 now. He looked like he was 85 in this film,,but he was only 57.
+imbees2 Why he became like that when he was just 57 years old!!?
Clear Blue Water probably because of drug use. It will make you look older than you are
That’s heroine for ya!
Yes, he lived so many lifes, pal
58, recién cumplidos
No-one has ever jammed more intense emotive sensitivity into a trumpet than the incomparable Chet Baker. RIP
Sad he never found recovery. Such soulful talent, your music lives on.
I always loved his comment when he first heard Wynton Marsalis.....
'If I could play the trumpet like Wynton Marsalis.....
I wouldn't play the trumpet like Wynton Marsalis'.
end quote.
dojufitz guess that explains why there is little time given to chet in the illustrious marsalis/burns production known as "Jazz".
+dojufitz Is very easy to say those things since you're not capable to play like Marsalis.
I know that, I'm just saying somethings he said were bullshit. He was a great trumpet player, but sometimes could be a great asshole.
Keep in mind that when Baker was interviewed this was at the end of 1987. If you remember, Wynton Marsalis was relatively new on the scene and he had a reputation as being a mouthy, arrogant know-it-all. He appeared on the cover of Time magazine and the media put him and a few others (...Joey Defrancesco comes to mind) up on a pedestal as the "future of jazz." Truth be told, Wynton Marsalis pissed off a number of older jazz musicians with his disrespectful attitude toward everyone. And it wasn't because they were harboring feelings of professional jealousy toward him. People like Dizzy and Miles were angry at him because he was disrespecting all of them. Hell, even his older brothers and people like Marcus Roberts had had enough of his shit. But much to Wynton's credit, he no longer runs his pie-hole non-stop like he used to.
Tysons Accosta The arrogance of Marsalis runs much deeper than that. He is extremely dismissive of anyone he does not consider to be part of the jazz pantheon. This mentality really effected the way jazz was explored and dealt with in the series, giving the whole thing a very narrow tunnel vision perspective. It is compounded by the fact that burns isn't a professional historian but in truth a failed novelist who uses cut and paste history to explore the narratives he wasn't able to create with fiction. The purist marsalis mentality did not stop when he was young, even if he curbs his tongue now. The jazz series is demonstrative of this fact.
Yes, the old "Bird" certainly knew what he was doing when he wanted to work with Chet! I was also performing when Chet was in his heyday, and anyway, he was mostly in Europe then, so I never got to see him perform but I wish I had! His music found me a few years ago, and I've never let go of it since! His sensual, soothing subtle style has a life all it's own, inimitable and irreplaceable I'm afraid, so we have only his tapes and recordings to know him by today. But his music is so special, that once anyone with any kind of an ear at all, will NEVER be satisfied with just one song, like me, they will search his music out and listen to as much as is out there and available now! So THANK YOU so much, to all who post these great numbers, so we can enjoy them, get into Chet's mood, and just relax and lavish our souls in what he left us! So CARRY ON, CHET, you are alive and loved in our world today, but as a legend, certainly!
Bird was never 'old'. Died at 34; was 30 when he hired Chet. And it's never "the" Bird. Just Bird.
Happy holidays to his wife, 3 sons and daughter (in Oklahoma)--- Chet was tortured by his genius and he left us all with his songs. From the documentary, he had an incredible Mother, who was so sweet and understanding. Great last interview....
I love how he says, “you know”.
how is this the first day in my 32 year old life that I have heard this musician
i have catching up to do
We’re always discovering and learning..
I only learned about him in my fifties. How did that happen??!?
The background chatter during auld lang syne felt like the series finale of a show. People crying, nudging each other and knowingly saying “happy new year, bro”. Got me right in the feels
Wow, Chet Baker playing his last New Year's Eve gig in Amsterdam, plus a great interview. How cool is that? I'm so glad somebody recorded it for posterity.
I imported a painting of Chet sat on a window sill in Amsterdam with trumpet comfortable as ever at his lips. It barely scratches the surface of how much I would die to see this GENIUS live!! It’s the best I can do on a daily basis coupled with UA-cam courtesy! Thankyou Chet for making it all ok...🙏
Soulful Chetty...miss you.
A 24-hour-party going on every day, also describes Chet's life, love his playing, carry on playing Chet wherever you are...
I don't think Chets life could be called
" nonstop party" since once you are deep in addiction, your life is being passed out most of the time. Sick the rest of the time. I'm amazed he made it to any gigs, much less play as well as he did. His natural sweetness comes out in his singing and playing. Drugs made him a liar and a thief, and destroyed every human connection he made.
@@jefolson6989 I respectfully disagree.
The ending to this is beautiful.
Chet Baker was one of the all time greatest jazz trumpeters of all time. See if you can still play after years of drug use!
Music was Chet's life's blood. He had his downfalls, but it was very important that he return to music. I doubt there are very many in this world who COULD and WOULD work hard enough to come back like Chet did after losing his embouchure like he did. RIP Chet, your efforts were worth it because we're going to enjoy your music forever, so, YOU live forever also!
Saw this on vhs when I was six years old. Since then the man has been in my heart. No vhs nowadays, but all on vinyl.
Great job guys. What a wonderful peek into the waning hours of a man that has truly contributed much to the art of Jazz. May God bless Chet and all of his...
he had such great hair.
him and Bill Evans...
HIS EYES TTOO!
How I love this man. Hope he's happy, wherever he is.
Interesting what he says about cool jazz being more subtle and only requiring a piano, bass and horn, or a guitar, bass and horn.
Heartbreaking to watch. Poor poor lost jazz-child. One of the greatest of the lost talents. God Bless.
My Mom and Dad had at least one album of his they used to dance to after us kids were supposed to be in bed.
Chet was a genius !!!! I get goosebumps everytime I hear that haunting masterpiece My Funny Valentine !!! Ive visited the hotel in Amsterdam where he died on a few occasions to pay homage !!!!! A true Great !!!!
I first heard his music a few months ago, and I love it , so sorry to hear about the life he lead, he gave the world such beautiful music
Oh Chet Baker was one of the greatest. My Valentine is my all time favourite. Thank you.
Chet could sing beautifully as well in his prime.
..."I'd hate to be going backwards all this time"...
Thx for this amazing documentary
Chet Baker was very influential in my love for Jazz music.
Oh what a beautiful and complicated and magical human being
It is moving and touching to listen to Chet last interview. Thank you for that.
Sooooooo sad ❗️❗️😰😰😰😭😭😭. Noooooo just too depressing to watch this one , such a great artist ❗️💙
chet baker was such a kind person
He really wasn't, check out the book " Deep in a dream". Incredible trumpet player but kind of dickhead.
Listening to him talking about next year and then that farewell tune... oh God. It breaks you, it really does.
What a great loss of natural talent. His emotions spoke through the instrument.
He played his heart and soul, Amsterdam didn't judge his lifestyle, it all went hand and ha D with music, he had some months of fun and laughter, some of us are not meant to be around all that long, but our light shines brighter for it and his music will never fade, he is a remarkable musician, piana, bass horn and trumpet, nice and clean ❤️
I wish I could meet you there in Amsterdam for a beer together. You are legend to me.
Sad to see the decline of such a great jazz artist. One of the best!!!
I still love you Chet. You never be forgotten.
Beloved CHET BAKER Love Him....Superlative musical influence on my way of life and music
What a wonderful musician and painfully tragic figure. My favorite trumpet player and cool-jazz muscian hands down.
genius...
thanx Chet
hoo chet !!!ça fait de la peine .mais MERCI.
"I hope 88 stays the same as 87" famous last words of a great man.
His horn was clearly, to me, masterful. As Miles said about heart, feeling: "If it ain't in your soul, It ain't comin' out yer horn." And his vocals? the pain and passion? Whooo.
well for all his faults chet was a genius no doubt.drugs are and always will be a massive problem such a shame but all we can do basically Is listen to the music and enjoy his massive contribution to jazz.many thanks
can't be 100 % mad at their druguse cause it invokes a feeling unique to their experience they never would have known how to express otherwise. I agree with you though not worth the damage it causes.
yellowdart6666 Bullshit. Charlie Parker laid this nonsense to rest when he said something along the lines "anyone who says that drugs and alcohol make you play better is talking shit." You can probably find the exact quote somewhere out there.
Pan oRoya ya I remember that quote. my point was the pain they feel comes through in their playing later because it's a reflection of their life... nvm you know what haha. I am talking shit. forget what I said. stupid rationale. trying to rationalize things.
It's not the drugs that make you play better, but the suffering that leads to drug dependence. This is why superior music geniuses all used drugs. Within suffering, there is beauty and a connection to god (or consciousness or whatever) that one who has a happy existence cannot connect to.
Jessica within the suffering there is no beauty and your not connected to anything.i was a young pro bassist in the early 50s and I saw the horror of drugs.our own phil seamen was a victim and other top players.i played and spoke to most of them and given the chance they would have all stayed clean.you have good taste when it comes to music.many thanks.
Everything is equally a blessing and a curse. If one doesn't realize that, they will focus on the good or the bad of it.
The truly talented rely on both to become great.
He was great.
One only has to listen to his singing to hear that, at all levels.
He definitely outlived most of his contemporaries.
Poor Chet. Such a Talent. Such a sad death. I love you, Chet.
I think that it is sad that chet had so many demons he fought during his lifetime. I fought alcohol and was fortunate to quit at 34, about two and a half years before Chet passed. As sad as the demons are, and they are real. We have these recordings and his legacy of beautiful music; and it is all awesome.
One "Born to Be Blue" movie line always stands out and sums it all up for me, as he talks about Charlie Parker, and then relates it to himself. "Bird never hurt anybody but himself, me either....". Sadly that profound sensitivity geniously communicated through music (or any artistic media for that matter) is both a prized gift to humanity and an anchor to the individual artists soul...
This is excellent...it really captured the mood of Chet and his surroundings... although the ending couldn't have been any sadder 🔥
Man here's one of the most influential lyrical distinctive voices jazz ever produced but no one ever just says anything flat out positive about him. I mean like a former teacher of mine who played with him or a you tuber teaching piano who played with him. geez give this brilliant cat a break... History will sort it out..
Without any doubt, he is best described by the word genius!
Drums get a kick in the nuts from Chet. Love it.
It was a miracle that could even play without his teeth in has last years. What an artist.
Semolina Pilchard He had dentures :P but that is still really difficult!
Wow, what a legend, thanks for the upload.
thank you so much for sharing this :)
For an insight into Chet Baker's world there's an indispensable and highly entertaining book. It's "Straight Life", the autobiography of Baker's junko buddy (and fine sax player) Art Pepper. Written jointly with Pepper's wife, it's a compelling account of the world inhabited by heroin addicted jazzers of the era - in unforgettable detail. And, of course Bruce Weber's great film "Let's Get Lost". Great musicians these guys certainly were but they were also conniving, dishonest and manipulative: like every other heroin addict since time began.
I saw your comment two days ago, did some research about the book and realized that it was a must-read. I got it yesterday from my university's library and it's mindblowing so far!! Thank you !!
Pan oRoya gracias.
I agree. Art Pepper was a 3 time loser. Chet was luckier in that regard. Geniuses can be drug addicts and so can anyone. I dont believe Jazz musicians are any more likely. But it turns everyone into liars and thiefs. Chets sweetnness comes out in his music, but not in his relationships
Thanks for the heads up I'll look into it, Cheers.
Quincy Jones tells the story about finally getting to meet his idol, Charlie Parker who immediately stole 20 bucks from him. Typical junkie behavior.
J'ai quitté ma vie depuis "my funny valentine". Je m'y remets, parfois. Mais la saveur de cette musique ne me quitte. Alors, j'erre.
it's hard to think chet had such a rough time throughout his life with no obligation of working. just playing and letting himself out:) . makes you ponder about comparisson between humans, such a stupid definition since we all have separate and unique roads to go through in this existence. thank you chet:) i'm quitting the stuff:)
At last a version of Auld Lang Syne I actually like! Thank you Chet
Always Chet
New DVD of Chet Baker "Born to be Blue" by Robert Budreau. Wonderful!! (July 27 2016). At the moment available in Canada, USA and Great Britain. I write at the moment subtitles in German for this film (a private production, no commercial production)
I had also a shortie by Robert Fevre "Chet's Romance" (1988/1997). This was a bonus DVD to the Audio CD "Chet Baker: Prince of Cool" (The Pacific Jazz Years). Also "Let's get lost". Searching: Chet Baker: Final Days and a belgian film.
Chet forever!!!
Poor soul. He stayed in the Netherlands because he could be high all the time. Fell out his window for drugs.
Not a fact.
The way I heard it is: He locked himself out of his hotel room after service hours and tried to climb it
I’ve stayed in that room.
He didn’t fall.
rest in peace, chet
Just can't believe all the banter, chatter and carrying on in the audience when he was playing. Those clods probably killed him! Yeh they did the great Chet in I think.
Heroin kills….the spirit and your dreams.
What a Talent.
great artist.
The Flute player is Nicola Stylo( italien he also plays guitar & piano)
+jean bardy This was directed by my dad :) Don't know if you are actually allowed to upload this, but it is good that it is out it the open to be seen. This is the better quality version: vimeo.com/51216871 . In the same series of reportages, they did Arthur Conley: vimeo.com/51216870 . Cheers!
+Jelle Lieshout
Hi Jelle . Well I don't have any right I guess, except I'm the bass player o the video so .:-) and I was looking for out since years , and a friend of mine had it on his computer .it's a kind of souvenir for me .. but thank you for your message , yes I think it's a good thing that it can be out , it's a good movie and interview. , if you agree i will use the better quality one.
What happened this day.. was just crazy ..and a you can read below i get a lot of comments about drugs and junkies .. no so much about music .. :-)
thanks again for you 'amiability" :-)
Hi Jean! No, I wasn't alluding to that ;) Just hope it stays on youtube. Fun! How long have you been playing with Chet? My dad sends you his regards. And of course you can use that version :) Who cares about those reactions! Chet used from the early 50's, even lost his embouchure for a while, but I am convinced he has always stayed Chet untill the end and that even his later work is brilliant. Wish you all the best!
+Jelle Lieshout Hello Jelle .Thanks for your answer and thanks your father for me, it's a great interview..
Well I'v been playing with Him for a year from April 1987 until April 1988 ; 15 days before he died .:-( Of course I was not the only bass player he was using ). But I did a few gigs, mostly in France , and this one in Amsterdam was incredible ..If you give me personnel email I'll tell you the all story.. as usual with Chet every gig was a specific story .. jeanbardy.fr all the best to you and happy new year .
+jean bardy Share the story with us too if its okay with you :)
"The Great White Hope of Jazz"
Errrrr, hoping for what?
Life for any person who decides to be a jazz musician is tough it's a tough road where most fail to make it due to poverty and lack of musical Outlets,drugs etc.
Oh, man. Not gonna lie. I got misty listening to Chet play Auld Lang Syne at the end. We miss your soul, Chet.
Really the best rendition I've ever heard
спокойной ночи, дорогой Чет.
pure emotion
I always waste my time listening music that is not Chet Baker.
I agree
+Diego Funes My father says the same thing!
+Diego Funes If you're listening, for instance, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Miles Davis or Keith Jarret, you are not wasting your time...
I love John Coltrane too and the rest, but Chet Baker's music just hits me hard. I don't know. It's almost like you can feel his pain and life's journey in every note. I never even knew who he was before I listened to his music, and just the subtle sadness and coolness of it all made me an instant fan.
Well said! However, "Diego Funes" -- there are other musicians that I enjoy very much also, but Chet's music is up there at the very top of the list, it just DOES something to your soul that no other artists really accomplishes quite as well. It hurts so well! Sometimes I almost cannot bear it, but back I come.
What a tone.
MUSIC NEWS
How Chet Baker really died
Writen by Tom Schnabel,Jan,17,2012
A few years ago, however, after my enjoyable KCRW interview with James Gavin, I got a call from a patron at Santa Monica’s now-deceased record store, Hear Music, and was told that he knew what happened. He was there in Amsterdam at the same hotel. He said that Chet was chatting up a woman in the lobby, went upstairs to get some cigarettes or keys, and found he had locked himself out of his hotel room. The door to the room next door was open. He entered, went out onto the balcony and tried to get over to his own balcony. He lost his footing, fell and died. The caller told me, “Ask Little Jimmy Scott, he was there at the hotel and remembers.”
A few months later I was sitting next to Little Jimmy Scott at The Water Court at Calfornia Plaza. It was the night after he’d performed there at the wonderful (and always free) Grand Performances series. I asked him about Chet. He said yes, he was there at the hotel, and was hanging out in the lobby with Chet when he went upstairs but never came back. Scott corroborated every detail the caller told me about Chet’s accidental death.
Chet Baker was a great trumpet and flugelhorn player. And even as time ravaged him physically, his playing actually got better as he aged. Who knows how much longer he might have lived and continued playing had he not slipped and fallen, that fateful night at the Prins Hendrik Hotel?
Interesting how Chet places hos trumpet below off axis to the mic...creates a soothing tone unlike most who place the mic almost within the horn
I love Chet
Was such a sensitive guy. Feel like heart broken.
this might be one of the saddest things i've ever seen
Excellent! & Sad.
Remember Chet Baker
Rip
May your soul rest in power Chet Baker.