Deep in a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker

Rating:
Summary: A musical narcissist
Review: This is an excellent book on Chet Baker--I found it very interesting and a very engaging read.

I feel Mr. Gavin does an incredible job balancing the musical career and personal life of Chet, extensively discussing both his meteoric rise--and his quick descent into the hell of heroin addiction.

The mystique of Chet Baker and public is well addressed, and ties in very well with how he used his talent, fame, looks and charm to personally exploit almost every person he ever came in contact with. This book is an excellent case study of the narcissist--and the numerous victims these people leave in their wake. It really makes you feel sorry for the women and children he left behind--individuals who will be forever scarred by their relationship with this man. Unfortunately their is a stark contrast between his musical and personal legacy. No one who came in contact with this Chet came away unscathed. The huge gap between the public image of the angelic-looking trumpetist--and the evil reality of this man--speaks to the power of his magnetism and muscial talent.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK!
Review: WOW-i literally JUST finished the book. Just now read the last page. WOW-what a book. phenomenal documentation of Bakers life. I couldnt have imagined what Chet went through and the life he lived. the people around him, the musicians, his family, this book has it ALL! A DEFINATE buy if youre a jazz fan of any kind! 5 Star Book!!