At Capolinea

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This studio session is distinguished by excellent, mostly Italian jazz tunes, and a very attractive group of players not usually associated with the trumpeter. The compatible flute of Nicola Stilo wonderfully complements Baker's dry, unemotional sound, while the addition of a third horn, Diane Varva's soprano sax, adds body to the sound. A very strong rhythm section of pianist Michel Grailler, bassist Riccardo dal Fra, and drummer Leo Mitchell rounds out a tight, well-groomed collective. Baker is in fine form, but he skips the vocals. Bruno Martino's Estate is hauntingly rendered, while J.J. Johnson's Lament is given an attractive reading. This amounts to a very accessible, enjoyable set of tunes -- one that may not win any awards, but should reward those who appreciate the delicate and lovely nature of Chet Baker's art. ~ Steve Loewy, All Music Guide