Made in November 1987, only a few months before his death, this remarkable set with Germany's NDR Big Band is one of the very best recordings of Chet Baker's whole career. There were times in his later years when his trumpet playing sounded distinctly shaky and uncertain, but there is no hint of weakness here. He spins long, delicate lines of melody with that inimitable tone, at once bright and melting, and glides effortlessly through the surrounding orchestral textures. The nine pieces are a judicious mixture of classic American songs by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin etc and modern jazz standards, arranged with great delicacy by Jorg Keller and Horst Muhlbradt. Only in Europe would it have been possible to produce an album like this because only European radio stations maintain permanent orchestras of this quality. Chet Baker clearly relished the opportunity and rose magnificently to the occasion. --Dave Gelly