Chet Baker Quartet - Chet Baker Quartet Featuring Russ Freeman (1953/2020)

To mark the centennial of Sidney Bechet's birthday in 1997, there were many celebrations. Jacques Gauthe, whose style is clearly influenced by Bechet on soprano and clarinet, proved to be the perfect person to lead a Bechet tribute recording. Trumpeter Duke Keitger, trombonist Mike Owen, pianist Steve Pistorius, guitarist Lars Edegran, bassist Tom Saunders and drummer Chris Tyle form a strong supporting cast (Keitger in particular has many exciting solos), as Gauithe performs 13 Bechet originals, "Wild Cat Blues," "Muskrat Ramble" and his own "Blues for Bechet." Among the many highlights of this spirited outing are "Dans Les Rues D'Anitbes," "The Ghost of the Blues," "Egyptian Fantasy" and "Promenade Aux Champs Elysees." A gem.