Dot Time Legends, the Dot Time Records edition dedicated to preserving jazz legends’ historical recordings, is proud to announce the release of Wolfgang Lackerschmid and Chet Baker’s Ballads For Two worldwide for the first time ever, on CD and digital download. A vinyl edition will be released in early 2019. Nearly 40 years after its original release, Ballads For Two can now reach a broader audience, seeing as its initial limited-print vinyl would often have fans set sails on a treasure hunt for a copy of this marvelous collaboration between the two jazz virtuosos.

Ballads For Two features a total of 9 tracks, including Lackerschmid originals as well as select covers. The Dot Time Legends release comes with two bonus tracks from the vinyl’s original recording session which took place in a Stuttgart, Germany studio back in 1979. The marriage between the two artists’ sounds could be described as an “emotive and telepathic” partnership of Baker’s trumpet and Lackerschmid’s vibes, with the former unveiling the true breadth of his talent, and claiming his much-deserved place among jazz greats. Album highlights include Blue Bossa and Waltz for Susan, while fans will appreciate an alternate take of Why Shouldn’t You Cry, as well as a mesmerizing performance of Lackerschmid’s Double O.

A four-star Downbeat review for Ballads For Two reads “Ballads For Two arrives as an unexpected treat, defying Baker’s detractors and placing him with success in unfamiliar surroundings.”

Commenting on the occasion of Ballads For Two release under Dot Time Legends, Mr. Lackerschmid said that “It’s a wonderful experience to see that the music we recorded 40 years ago is still touching people in all those different parts of the world. Many thanks to Dot Time Records for the appreciation and the personal involvement in releasing those historical moments, which mean a lot to me.”

“The emotional intimacy Baker and Lackerschmid display during the performances on Ballads For Two is stunning. The extra tracks including one with Baker on muted trumpet are astounding. This Dot Time release is a treasure for any Baker collector” added Mr. Jerry Roche, Director, Dot Time Legends Editions.

Ballads For Two is scheduled for release October 26th.