Chet Baker: His Life and Music

Rating:
Summary: Sympathetic, no-nonsense biography
Review: With "Chet Baker, His Life and Music" Dutch author Jeroen De Valk wrote a sober, well-researched, non-nonse biography. This book will definitely hold its own next to Gavin's forthcoming bio - it has a distinct European flavour and sensibility and focuses on Chet's later years. Other strongpoints: great, rare photographs, an extended and excellent discography and a very clear chapter on Chet's death. A minor quibble: the poor English translation. Much of the charm and style of the Dutch original is lost here. But a bio is not a novel: you should read this book for its content and the sympathetic way De Valk portrays the wayward trumpet genius.If you keep this in mind you will not be disappointed.