What is the likelihood of two new releases being issued near simultaneously from two legendary jazz artists with ties to Norway? If you are Elemental Music, the likelihood is strong because you are a label / distributor that is supporting overlooked and previously unreleased material for the ages. These recent releases — recorded roughly 20 years apart — by Bill Evans and Chet Baker offer surprising riches worthy of your attention.
Chet Baker: Late Night Jazz
Many jazz fans seem to only focus on Chet Baker’s 1950s material when he was still young and beautiful and crooning sweet songs like “My Funny Valentine.” I however have come to greatly appreciate his later work, after he had been churned through the ringers of life, from battling addictions to serving jail time to getting his teeth knocked out which ultimately changed the sonority of his trumpet playing. In fact, I first came to appreciate Chet’s playing from this later period, falling in love with his gorgeous solo on Elvis Costello’s brilliant 1983 anti-war song “Shipbuilding.”
This beautiful 1988 studio recording, Late Night Jazz, captures that soulful, mourning side of Baker’s playing. What began as a collaboration with Norwegian poet Jan Erik Vold ultimately found the iconic trumpeter recording at Sysmo Studio in Montmartre, Paris (due to Chet’s touring schedule) on February 17-18, 1988 supported by some great and sympathetic jazz makers including under-appreciated Belgian guitarist Philippe Catherine.
Together, the group capture lovely versions of classics including “Skylark,” ”Body And Soul,” “My Foolish Heart” and “How High The Moon” (on which Chet adds scat singing along the way). These recordings were released previously on the album Blåmann! Blåmann! but only in Norway so this is the first time it’s seeing a international release.
Additionally, there is a significant extra twist: this is also the first time that just the music has been released without the poetry tracks. Thus there is also original music present for this release which I assume was an underscore for the poems.
The vinyl pressings on this 2LP set are excellent and the sound quality is tops, reportedly transferred from original tape reels. Late Night Jazz includes a 12-page LP sized booklet with previously unpublished session photos and new essays by producer Jon Larsen and music writer Brian Morton.
Bill Evans: Bill Evans In Norway
Pretty much any live Bill Evans performance has redeeming qualities and Bill Evans In Norway from 1970 recorded in Norway at the Kongsberg Jazz Festival is no exception. Issued on Record Store Day late last year, this recording features Evans’ classic later period trio with Eddie Gomez on bass and Marty Morell on drums. Another fine release from jazz detective producer Zev Feldman, the limited edition 2LP set is pressed on 180-gram vinyl, remastered at The Mastering Lab from the original stereo tape reels found in the Kongsberg festival vaults.
The package includes a comprehensive LP-sized booklet with never before published photos from the concert as well as specially prepared essays. Tech enthusiasts will especially appreciate the page featuring wonderful details explaining exactly how the recording was made (teaser: they use a custom made mixing board feeding into a Revox A77 recorder with Shure microphones).
Generally I am very happy with this release. My pressing is mostly great despite a little bit of short-lived audible surface noise at a couple of points (it wasn’t a deal breaker!). Ultimately, Bill Evans In Norway is a winner and an album to get if you love his music.
You can buy these releases at your favorite music store or simply click the title links throughout this review to jump to Amazon where they are available.
Mark Smotroff is a deep music enthusiast / collector who has also worked in entertainment oriented marketing communications for decades supporting the likes of DTS, Sega and many others. He reviews vinyl for Analog Planet and has written for Audiophile Review, Sound+Vision, Mix, EQ, etc. You can learn more about him at LinkedIn.
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