Somewhere over the Rainbow

AMG Review of Somewhere over the Rainbow

Dan Cross
All Music Guide

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 op 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 op guitar enthusiasts. Tune selection is surprisingly upbeat for a Baker recording.