Taken from Chet Is Back!, recorded in Italy in 1962, Somewhere Over the Rainbow features Baker at his finest, and is an excellent introduction to the musician's non-vocal work. As is the case with most Baker albums, Somewhere Over the Rainbow feels like a quickly put-together session recording. The material is all standard jazz repertoire, played in a no-frills format, without specific arrangements or endings. It is the musicianship here that is the main attraction. Baker has rarely sounded better; his technique is in top shape, and his solos are textbook examples of lyrical bop playing. Baker, as was not always the case throughout his career, surrounds himself on Somewhere Over the Rainbow with strong and supportive sidemen. Guitarist Rene Thomas, underrecorded throughout his career, becomes one of the highlights of the session, and makes the album a must-have for bop guitar enthusiasts. Tune selection is surprisingly upbeat for a Baker recording.


Tracklist

1 Well You Needn't 6:21
2 These Foolish Things 4:55
3 Star Eyes 6:59
4 Somewhere Over The Rainbow 3:27
5 Pent-up House 6:51
6 Blues In The Closet 7:43

Credits

Bass – Benoit Quersin
Drums – Daniel Humair
Guitar – René Thomas
Piano – Amedeo Tommasi
Tenor Saxophone – Bobby Jaspar
Trumpet – Chet Baker

Notes

Recorded at RCA Studios, Roma, Italy, January 5, 1962.