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Broken Wing features Baker in excellent form back in 1979. Phil Markowitz was one of the most sympathetic pianists who worked with the trumpeter during his later years, bassist Jean-Francois Jenny Clark proves to be superb both as a soloist and as an accompanist, and Jeff Brillinger gives Baker just the swinging support and interplay that he needs. The repertoire is fresh, consisting of two standards that are not played all that often anymore (Baker's voice is in better-than-usual shape during "Oh You Crazy Moon," his lone vocal) and a song apiece by Richi Beirach, Wayne Shorter and the trumpeter himself (the wistful "Blue Gilles").
Review
"Even with his chaotic lifestyle, most of Chet Baker's recordings are worth acquiring and Broken Wing is better than average.
"An excellent trumpeter and a haunting vocalist, Chet Baker has long had an appeal far beyond the jazz world. A cult figure since the 1950s, Baker had a very erratic lifestyle but managed to live with it and was often in top musical form during his final period. On 1979’s Broken Wing, Baker is joined by a very sympathetic rhythm section comprised of pianist Phil Markowitz, bassist Jean Francois-Jenny Clark and drummer Jeff Brillinger. Against all odds, Baker shows that his trumpet playing was actually at its best during this time and his singing on “Oh You Crazy Moon” is very effective."- Scott Yanow
"Broken Wing... features a more traditional piano, bass and drums backing for Baker, whose voice is airy and hauntingly mellow on "Oh, You Crazy Moon." His trumpet fills the space especially well on the title track. Jean-Francois Jenny-Clark's basslines complement Baker and pianist Phil Markowitz subtly provides the perfect harmonic backdrop while Jeff Brillinger delivers a great drum solo on the Irving Berlin standard "How Deep is the Ocean. ...A real joy to hear." -Chris Kompanek, All About Jazz
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