The Book of Chet

I can live with people giving this album five star ratings because it sets a nostalgic mood on a rainy day near the fire place. However, that's not what Chet Baker was about. Taking every song at an unbearably slow rubato-tempo and infusing that with self-importance is embarrassing. That being said, really Apple? You usually don't promote this kind pseudo jazz. Take it off the best-of list already, false advertising.

All the tunes seem to be within one tempo click of the other. Even keel dynamics.

If Luciana sang many selections here any slower she'd beat the wonderful Ms. Shirley Horn. She is the singer Carmen McCrae called the "mother of slow." I could not get through the first 4 songs without wondering what the point was, because it sure was not making Chet's memory more vivid! Just plain bad!

Her strong accent throws the melodies off of every song. Her pitch is awful and the production is boring boring boring...ughhhhh

I don't normally write reviews however, I must express my disappointment in the way Bernie Grundman mastered this disc. There is excessive base resulting in cloudy instrumentals and little separation of voice amongst the instrumentalist; perhaps this is the best that can be done given the recording and mixing by Hadar. What a pity, given the exceptional musical talent of Luciana and the historical significance of Chet's intimate recordings. Martyn

It sounds to me like this is another production by Luciana's husband, Larry Klein. He also produced her album, The New Bossa Nova. I love Luciana Souza. I have all of her CDs and I've seen her twice at Stanford Jazz with the masterful guitarist, Romero Lubambo. I have to say though, that these two most recent albums produced by Klein have been my very least favorites of hers. She can sing in almost any style and with many kinds of people, but it feels to me that the choice of tunes and arrangements on these two albums feel limiting and soulless compared to her other work. I should also note that Chet Baker is one of my all time favorites trumpeters and singers. I've listed to his work hundreds of times. His rendition of The Very Thought of You is right up there in my top 5 most listened to songs. I don't think Luciana, on this album, does it justice. I'm very sorry. I really wanted to like it. After seeing her this summer, I was watching for the release of her 2 new albums, this one, and another Duets album. I'm going to buy this new Duets, but the Chet Baker tribute just doesn't make it for me.

This recording is just the opposite of what Chet Baker's music was all about (even in the trumpeter's darkest hours): boring, uninspiring and self-indulgent. Do yourself a favor and skip it entirely.

I really enjoy this album it will be a great addition to a rainy day .. The minimalist approach to the recording is just right ..