Stan Getz Music

Stan Getz is regarded around the world as one of the greatest tenor saxophone players of all time. His exceptionally smooth playing style earned him the nickname "The Sound," and his influence on the world of jazz and his place in the bossa nova invasion cement him as one of the most prolific saxophonists ever--and certainly make him worthy of the Jazz Moods collection "Stan Getz - Cool."

Lester Young was one of the biggest influences on the Stan Getz sound, and the opening track of this album bears witness to that in "Lester Left Town," recorded originally for a tribute album to Jimmy Rowles. This CD also contains "The Peacocks" from the same recording. These pieces hint at the power the big bands of Getz's youth had on his early career.

All of the Getz sway on the world of Brazilian jazz is represented here by his work with the equally great Joao Gilberto in "Double Rainbow" and "Ligia." For pure listening enjoyment, pay special attention to the lovely bossa nova "Aguas De Marco." All three tracks blend his glorious sax with the smoky vocals of Gilberto. Also very pleasing on this collection, is the inclusion of the Stan Getz sound blended with the superb Tony Bennett from the crooner's 1964 Jazz album. Enjoy both "Out of This World" and "Have You Met Miss Jones." Whether playing Latin jazz or more conventional standards, Getz provides an effortless showcase with his sax for the vocals of his fellow artist.

Great pieces of his instrumentation continue throughout, with lovely covers of "Misty," "Sometime Ago," and finishing with the George Gershwin composition "Who Cares." The closing piece seems to ask the listener the obvious rhetorical question, and the answer is plain: The world cares--Stan Getz is simply cool.

I've always thought Stan Getz sounds better on his live albums than on his session work, but that's just me. I guess knowing that everything is being created right there at that moment is more enticing. Also, I think the energy and synergy of the musicians shows through much more vibrantly.

Stan's at the top of his form in his solo work.

Sugar Blue, Patrick Gaterue (sp?), Mike Garson and Paul Horn all sit in on Billie's Bounce. Spectacular solo work and excellent rhythm section work. They really shape the solos in such a great way that you can feel the session in your seat.

The rhythm section as introduced by Stan on the recording: Andy Leverne (piano), Chuck Lowl (guitar), Brian Baumberg (bass), Victor Jones (drums). My appologies if I've mangled the spelling of any of these names.

A great album with three originals which is well worth the money.

Getz rarely lets you down. The only reason I did not give it five stars is because I was not all that wild about his version of Automn Leaves...otherwise, as stated above, I like what Getz does. Lots of music for the money. It's worth it.