Watch Fay Claassen: Two Portraits of Chet Baker

Fay Claassen: Two Portraits of Chet Baker is a captivating music documentary that pays homage to celebrated jazz musician and singer Chet Baker through the eyes of Dutch jazz vocalist Fay Claassen. The film is directed by renowned Dutch filmmaker Joost Honselaar and features Jan Menu as the musical director. The film is divided into two parts, with the first segment presenting Claassen performing a selection of Chet Baker's compositions, including “Almost Blue” and “My Funny Valentine” in a live setting. The opening act delivers a mesmerizing performance that showcases Claassen’s vocal range and phrasing, her delicate approach to jazz standards, and her admiration and respect for Chet Baker's legacy.

The second part of the film is a revealing portrait of the jazz musician and his life story. Fay Claassen becomes the narrator and more of a character in this section, guiding the viewer through the life and work of Chet Baker with her personal accounts and interpretations of his music.

The narrative starts with Baker’s birth in a small town in Oklahoma, his upbringing, and his early musical influences. The viewer gets to see how Baker moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career but soon got caught up in drug addiction, which would haunt him for most of his life. We witness his rise to fame in the 1950s, his collaborations with renowned musicians, and his love for playing trumpet.

The film also delves into Baker’s troubled personal life, his tumultuous relationships with women, and his brushes with the law. Baker's life spiraled downwards, and we see how his addiction took a toll on his health and his music. The segment is intensely personal and portrays him with all his flaws as well. However, the film never passes judgment on Baker, and his tragedy is dealt with gentle compassion.

From California to New York, and finally to Europe, where Chet Baker went to escape his troubles and build a new life, the director Joost Honselaar does an excellent job of capturing the ambiance and essence of the jazz era. The documentary highlights the melancholic mood of Baker's music, and how it stood out among the exuberant sounds of jazz in the '50s and '60s.

Fay Claassen's interpretations of Baker’s music add to the magic of the film. She sings each song with an obvious respect for the original version but infusing it with her own twist, taking the songs and the viewer on a journey through the music that trails off in a dreamy, nostalgic feel.

Overall, Fay Claassen: Two Portraits of Chet Baker is a must-watch film for music lovers, particularly jazz aficionados. The documentary is immersive and informative, offering an insight into the life and work of Chet Baker. The film combines historic footage with modern sensibilities, beautifully encapsulating the style, music, and legend of Chet Baker. Fay Claassen's voice and interpretation ensure that the spirit of Chet Baker's music continues to resonate today. With its excellent editing and direction, the documentary showcases Baker's music and life story as no other film has done so far.

Fay Claassen: Two Portraits of Chet Baker is a 2006 music movie with a runtime of 58 minutes.