Stan Getz Music

A compilation to make a careful organizer crazy: although issued under Stan Getz's name, Stan was actually only a sideman on these sides, which were originally issued under guitarist Jimmy Raney's leadership (4 titles) and Terry Gibbs's (the rest). The Gibbs-led date is from 1949 (his first on record under his own leadership), and features a number of alternate takes. MICHELLE is in two parts, the first featuring Gibbs, the second Getz. It's a ballad, though it's taken just a bit too slowly. Both takes are pretty much identical. T&S is an up-tempo swinger, as is SPEEDWAY - which is aptly named though this one is too fast for its own good (it's a bit ragged and goes by in a blur), though Gibbs handles his part nicely.

The Raney-led session is from 1953 (his first on record as a leader) and contains the better music. SIGNAL is an infectious 48-bar tune (16-bar bridge), taken up-tempo, that grabs you and (fortunately) won't let go. Frank Isola's drumming is excellent here. MOTION and LEE are very similar in theme, though the latter, which is about a minute shorter, takes top honors. Both sessions offer up some terrific small-group modern recordings - great Stan, Raney, and Gibbs. A classic.

A compilation to make a careful organizer crazy: although issued under Stan Getz's name, Stan was actually only a sideman on these sides, which were originally issued under guitarist Jimmy Raney's leadership (4 titles) and Terry Gibbs's (the rest). The Gibbs-led date is from 1949 (his first on record under his own leadership), and features a number of alternate takes. MICHELLE is in two parts, the first featuring Gibbs, the second Getz. It's a ballad, though it's taken just a bit too slowly. Both takes are pretty much identical. T&S is an up-tempo swinger, as is SPEEDWAY - which is aptly named though this one is too fast for its own good (it's a bit ragged and goes by in a blur), though Gibbs handles his part nicely.

The Raney-led session is from 1953 (his first on record as a leader) and contains the better music. SIGNAL is an infectious 48-bar tune (16-bar bridge), taken up-tempo, that grabs you and (fortunately) won't let go. Frank Isola's drumming is excellent here. MOTION and LEE are very similar in theme, though the latter, which is about a minute shorter, takes top honors. Both sessions offer up some terrific small-group modern recordings - great Stan, Raney, and Gibbs. A classic.

The sound in his west coast days.
It doesn't come more better than this.
Applause to Conte Candoli, Stan Levey and the other californians too.

I ADORE THIS MUSIC. I don't know how else to put it. This is some of my favorite jazz music, it's got that sweet, swinging, mellow, cool feel of West Coast jazz from the late 50's & early '60's. Stan Gets, at this point, was at the height of his powers as an improvisor. The sidemen may not be the most famous players in the world, but for some reason, Stan Levy, the pianist, lays down some of the most swinging sounds you'll ever hear. These were clearly jam sessions, they mainly played standards, and allowed themselves plenty of space to improvise, but that takes nothing away from the impact of the music. Yes, there are some repeated tracks (which an above lame critic complains about) which I simply programme out when I listen. You still get over two hours of music, if you omit the alternate takes of songs. I can't reccomend this highly enough to anyone who likes the lighter West Coast feel. I probably have about 1000 jazz albums, and this set is easily in my top 10. BUY IT, SUCKER! JUST A LITTLE OVER 20 BUCKS, AND IT'S OUT OF PRINT!!!

There is much good music here but some of this 3 cd box set CD is duplicated on the more recent released single CD's "West Coast Jazz", "The Steamer" & "Award Winner". Those CD's, better mixes with more bits, contain less duplication of outtakes and more other songs, particularly more ballads (see my reviews).

For the same price, the prudent Getz collector will get the three Cool classics listed above, instead.

This music is mostly faster bebop.

These Mid-Fifties Sessions by Stan-The-Man, are the most frequently played in my collection. Their enjoyment being enhanced by his accompanying musicians (Conte Candoli,Lou Levy,Leroy vinnegar & Stan Levey(D)). Excellent West Coast Jazz Epitomising the Style and the time!