Live at the Subway Club

Trumpeter Chet Baker often played quite well during his final decade, and he was in good form for a gig in Cologne, Germany, on March 22, 1980, which resulted in three LPs. However, the length of the three selections on this CD reissue does result in some coasting along the way. Baker, who is joined by pianist Dennis Luxion, bassist Ricard del Fra, and flutist Nicola Stilo (whatever happened to her?), performs versions of "In Your Own Sweet Way" and "Old Devil Moon" that clock in around 16 minutes apiece, plus a 27-minute rendition of Russ Freeman's "No Ties." The playing is good, but, considering how many Baker CDs are currently in print, the results fall short of essential. ~ Scott Yanow