Search - Chet Baker - Live at Ronnie Scott's on DVD

Rare video record of jazz legend

11/09/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The production quality of this obscure taping of a jazz legend's performance is remarkable. Even the interview of Chet is well-done. Several observations: The audience obviously came to hear these "marquee" performers and not Chet. Notice the applause levels. I imagine most of them had no idea who Chet Baker. But for a thirty-plus-year fan of Chet Baker this video was certainly a bargain. What a unique and wonderful musician. He is certainly on par with Armstrong, Gillespie and Davis."

Chet Blows Haggard and Bent

A. Whittaker | Vermont | 02/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Chet, this is jazz. This film is an honest look at Chet Baker the torn man and musical genius he was. The concert is broken into segments by interviews. To hear Chet reflect upon his own life is such a rare treasure. Van Morrison gives an interesting performance and Elvis Costello waxes sweet melody on the final two songs. Purchase this DVD. Take note of the weathered skin, the spit as it's drained from the valve, Chet's fingers as they manipulate the three punch keys, and of course, the music coming straight from the heart through the horn. Enjoy this film!"

It was an amazing treat to hear and see Chet jam...

07/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was an amazing treat to hear and see Chet jam... it was exceptionally nice to hear him scat to "Just Friends" and play and sing as only Chet can. He will continue to be greatly missed! The video is simply done and the great price reflects that. It was also great to hear Van Morrison (was that a crumpled up cocktail napkin he was reading the lyrics from?)and Elvis Costello, and they performed well. Chet's backup (piano and stand-up bass) players were outstanding as well."

Twilight Chet

Ronald L. Acker | Fairfax, VA, USA | 07/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For anybody who is a devotee of Chet Baker's music, this disc will be worthwhile. One cautionary note, however; this is Chet during his last years, and the toll that his drug addiction and otherwise hard-living took is clearly evident. The interviews by a very sensitive and respectful Elvis Costello reveal a man of deep insight and intellect. Watching this DVD has made me all the more committed to trying to find more DVD's of Chet during his earlier years when his strength, subtlety and lungs were at their peak. Some reviewers took issue with the pieces sung by Van Morrison and Costello. I thought they were interesting and sincere homages to Chet."