Wolfgang Lackerschmid & Chet Baker - Quintet Sessions 1979 (Dot Time Records)

‘Quintet Sessions 1979’ is the follow-up to Dot Time’s critically acclaimed re-release of Wolfgang Lackerschmid and Chet Baker’s Ballads For Two. A continuation of Lackerschmid’s great adventure with one of the greatest trumpet players in the history of the art form, the album features the spirited duo of iconic trumpeter and vocalist Chet Baker and vibraphonist Wolfgang Lackerschmid alongside a stellar rhythm section made up of jazz luminaries Larry Coryell (guitar), Buster Williams (bass) and Tony Williams (drums).

The archival vaults have been reopened by Dot Time Records after the widespread success of Wolfgang Lackerschmid and Chet Baker’s Ballads For Two. JazzTimes noted “Serenity permeates [Ballads For Two], a serenity born of internal logic that feels both welcome and foreign”. Quintet Sessions offers a distinctly different lens through which to hear these fine musicians coalesce. This material (two tracks of which have never been publicly released before), presented here in a stunning CD package, displays the stunning musicianship and compositional prowess of each of these five leaders of their instrument.

1. Mr. Biko 09:05

2. Balzwaltz 06:46

3. The Latin One 02:24

4. Rue Gregoire Du Tour 06:31

5. Here's That Rainy Day 04:15

6. Toku Du 06:28

7. Balzwaltz Alternate Take 05:19

8. Rue Gregoire Du Tour (Rehearsal Take) 03:58

WOLFGANG LACKERSCHMID – Vibraphone

CHET BAKER – Trumpet, Vocals (2)

LARRY CORYELL – Guitar

BUSTER WILLIAMS – Bass

TONY WILLIAMS – Drums

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Wolfgang Lackerschmid and Chet Baker - Ballads For Two (DOT TIME RECORDS 2018)

Originally released on vinyl in 1979, Ballads For Two finds both musicians at the top of their game. Recorded on the 8th and 9th January 1979 in Stuttgart, Germany, this original vinyl release was not widely distributed. Now available for the first time on CD, the combination of Wolfgang's originals & well chosen covers is stunning. Baker's trumpet is emotive and telepathic with Wolfgang's vibes. Two bonus tracks are added from the original recording session. Chet plays a beautiful muted trumpet on the alternate take of Why Shouldn’t You Cry. Both musicians really stretch out on Double O, a Lackerschmid original. A Four Star review from Downbeat noted, "Ballads For Two arrives as an unexpected treat, defying Baker's detractors and placing him with success in unfamiliar surroundings." Highlights are Blue Bossa & Waltz For Susan.

1. Blue Bossa 03:47

2. Five Years Ago 03:45

3. Why Shouldn't You Cry 04:40

4. Dessert 06:53

5. Softly As A Morning Sunrise 06:05

6. You Don't Know What Love Is 07:52

7. Waltz For Susan 03:50

8. Double O 05:59

9. Why Shouldn't You Cry (mute) 04:33