JAZZ ALBUM REVIEW : Saxophonist’s CD Pays ‘Tribute to Chet’

***,DAN ST. MARSEILLE,”Long Ago and Far Away” Resurgent Music The ghost of Chet Baker haunts this collection, which features a host of the late trumpeter’s trademark numbers. Though O.C.-based saxophonist St. Marseille’s instrumental contributions may be the most prominent, it’s up to trumpeter-vocalist Larry Gillespie (no relation to Dizzy) to set the tone. He does an admirable job, playing with some of the same wistful lyrical quality for which the late trumpeter was valued, but with less delicacy and more polish.

Gillespie’s vocals are even closer to the Baker style, equally as fragile on ballads and with some of the same off-key endearments. His singing is less satisfying on up-tempo numbers, such as “What Is This Thing Called Love?,” in which Gillespie scats credibly, if not in particularly exciting fashion.

The disc’s highlight is the six-song medley “Tribute to Chet,” craftily assembled by pianist Cecilia Coleman. It includes such Baker faves as “I Fall in Love Too Easily,” and--considering the kind of hard lifestyle Baker pursued--the irony-tinged “Look for the Silver Lining.”

Despite the variety of rhythms and moods, Coleman’s arrangement is an engaging, seamless journey with one tune giving way easily to the next.

St. Marseille solos wonderfully, though briefly, on soprano during “What Is This Thing Called Love?” and his tenor shines on “How About You,” a loose, jaunty effort with all the carefree feeling of children at play.

Alto saxophonist Gary Foster guests on a medley of “April” tunes, turning up the heat on “I’ll Remember April” in a unison outing with St. Marseille’s tenor before painting smooth, even-tempered lines on his own.

In addition to her substantial contribution as arranger, Coleman’s considered comping and intelligent improvisations are a decided plus. Strong support from bassist Ernie Nunez and drummer Denny Dennis give the effort a tight and professional appeal.

This is St. Marseille’s working band, and that fact makes for a comfortable familiarity throughout the recording. For fans of Baker, as well as those of St. Marseille, it’s a must.

Albums are rated on a scale of * (poor) to **** (excellent), with *** denoting a solid recommendation. * An album release party for Dan St. Marseille’s “Long Ago and Far Away” will be Sunday at 5 p.m. at Alexander’s (formerly the Old Dana Point Cafe), 24701 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point. No cover. (714) 661-6003.