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Charlie
Haden-
Silence
Nov
12, 1987
Original Release Date: 1987
Chet
Baker/Trumpet & Vocals on "Funny", Enrico
Pieranunzi/Piano, Charlie Haden/Bass, Billy Higgins/Drums
1. Visa (Parker) - 5:48 
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2. Silence (Haden) - 8:45
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3. Echi (Pieranunzi) - 6:09
4. My Funny Valentine (Hart/Rodgers) - 5:39
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5. 'Round Midnight (Monk/Williams) - 11:36
6. Conception (Shearing) - 6:00
Review
The historical
meeting of jazz's two prodigal sons, Charlie Haden
and Chet Baker. Though underwhelming, the result
is powerful. Also Haden's tribute to the then living
legend Chet, with courtesy and heart. This is the jazz
analogy of the B.B. King/Eric Clapton blues album Ridin'
with the King. This CD is hard to find these days,
so it makes the meeting all the more memorable.
Haden
really knows how to control the tempo and makes it upbeat
for the bebop sounds of Chet. For instance, the upbeat
version of "My Funny Valentine" outscores
the original. The inaugural song "Visa" captures
the cool and funky West Coast sounds of Chet. Make a
note that Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi really
is a delight here. He's not showy, but capable enough
to deal with the three lions: Haden, Chet and Billy
Higgins. Higgins, an underrated drummer in jazz
but practically awesome, shines here as the fourth leg
of a musical table.
Gary
Giddins says in the liner notes, "This is a dark
and absorbing and, yes, beautiful record." I don't
think it's dark. I think it's easy to see the light
of day. With Chet close to his death, Haden brings
the best out of him. To me, that is optimistic,
lively, and most of all, paying a tribute to one of
the greatest jazz characters of all-time. Haden knows.
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