Stan Getz Music

I've probably listened to this album more times than any other over the years. It was my introduction to the wonderful "Waters of March," which has since become more popular. I love the fact that the album contains lesser known but great Jobim tunes. Also, I'm a saxophonist, and the more I listen to Stan Getz's solos, the more I realize that they're perfectly constructed gems of melodic development - no running the chord changes here. His building of a solo is really an education: so personal, lyrical yet tough, his pace, use of dynamics, dramatic rises and falls. This is my favorite Brazilian/jazz album. Get it, you'll love it. By the way, this CD production could be improved - no personnel are listed, for one, unlike the original LP.

I knew a lady whom Joao stayed with her family (she was 13 at the time)during the recording of this record. She said that Joao was furious when he heard the mix. There is Joao, understated and superbly craftsmanly and self-contained, then the sax solos kick in at a level that seems twice as loud as Joao's performance, as if he were a blank pad for scribbling saxophone- a disgusting display of egotism and lack of respect. I give this 3 stars because I worship Joao, but through no fault of his own, this is his worst record.

This also has been a favorite of mine for thirty years. There are flaws but also many gems. Getz may have been in a bad way but his solos flow perfectly with the music. Gilberto is a joy as always.

I don't think the playing is as poor as others have claimed, but the production quality is just miserable. I can't believe that Columbia can't re-master this and at least take out the most obvious flaws in volume, "muddy-ness," etc. I'd be happy to buy it again if it sounded better!

After "Getz/Gilberto" the second best selling Jazz album of all time behind "Kind of Blue", the record companies were anxious for another golden egg.

However this is one of the worst periods in Stan Getz life, the 70's. Personal problems, and he was locked in the the bitterest divorce case in history, went to the Supreme Court! Things added to his orange juice...

Joao Gilberto also has a good reason to have a grudge against Getz but it doesn't show here, he is as mellow as usual. A trooper. His singing and guitar & Heloise hold the day, while Getz pretty much phones it in. What's good on this album comes from him.

For better Getz, pick any other decade or his life. For some reason all of the Getz Columia recordings are really bass thin and harsh. This one is less so, but no exception.

See my list for many better Getz recordings.

This is a collection taken from the vaults of the Verve and Mercury labels, featuring easy listening jazz from the 1940s to the 1960s. It has 12 cuts starting with "Night Train," and ending with "Autumn Leaves." It includes Stan Getz, Charlie Parker, Wes Montgomery, Gerry Mulligan, and other artists. Total playing time is not given.

There is an implied mellow or introspective mood with an album called LATE NIGHT JAZZ. Such dreamy feelings are well-established on this collection until Charlie Parker jars us from our reveries and gets the cops banging on the door with his blaring and raucous rendition of "Night And Day." This jolt halfway through the set is enough to give a ferret insomnia!

Except for that one misstep (and a quick poke-in-the-ribs crescendo on "Body And Soul"), LATE NIGHT JAZZ consistently delivers perfect wee small hours music, as performed by some of the best names in mid-20th century jazz. Transfer quality here is top notch-- songs are full-length. No liner notes beyond a playlist.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 57:12

This is an incredible lineup with amazing chemistry. All Tony Williams fans should love it because Tony is kicking major butt along with Corea and Clarke, and Getz is on the second peak of his career here. Every song is awesome! Check out the videos for 500 Miles High and Captain Marvel on Youtube from the 1972 Montreux Jazz Festival. There is also a video of La Fiesta from the same concert, but it is quite rare.

I have only recently begun to listen and to appreciate jazz music (i.e 12 months ago) . People like Dexter Gordon, Lester Young, Oscar Peterson, Sonny Rollins, Art Pepper and Stan Getz are true legends in the musical world.

Captain Marvel is a claasic recording which displays the wonderful talents of Stan Getz, one of the top Tenor men in jazz history. The saxophone and rhythm section here is pulsating and riveting from beginning to end with no weak points. I now own several records of Stan and "Captain Marvel" proves once again that he was not content to stay with only one style of music but wanted to be continually challenged with a variety of musical styles.

The recording quality is also excellent with all instruments clearly defined even though the energy is high for most of the record. If you are a fan of Stan or jazz in general then this record comes higly recommended. If you are able get the release with the bonus tracks then do so as it provides over 68 minutes of wonderful music.

With the advent of YouTube there is some live footage of this band at Montreaux in '72. It is blazing with energy, and for anyone who loves Tony Williams or Chick Corea from that era it's a must see, just as this record is a must have. How will it fare with traditional Getz lovers? Probably low unless you love high octane, balls-out, fusion blowing. Indeed, Getz wanted to get in on the fusion thing that was happening all around him, and he picked the very best players to do it with. Mutual admiration society here I imagine. A great record for fusion buffs but probably a pass for Getz lovers who want his romantic, sensitive, nuance-filled playing. I know Getz's work in its usual context, and I don't think this is as bad as one reviewer does, but it IS largely a fusion record. As such, be forewarned. But if you love Tony and Chick, you're in for a real treat that many missed when it first came out.

I had the opportunity to catch Getz perform at the Village Gate, NYC shortly after this recording, so maybe I'm biased. I believe Getz had the ability to make any style sound so relaxed...COOL....You know,.... Mellowwwwwww!!!!That was Stan The Man. Pick up on this fussion, Latin, synthoid, what's-a-ma-jiggy sound. Dig Captain Marvel! It's so....GETZZZZZZZ!!!!!

Stanley!!!....hey!!...who CAN'T listen to cuts "La Fiesta" and "Captain Marvel" and NOT start dancin'???...both cuts hit you like a BLOW TORCH!! Of course, it's the drums & bass that drive you but Stan's sax charts the course!! This is BOSSA NOVA times 10!!!....a very muscular SAMBA!...MACHO SAMBA!! This is the first Stan Getz CD that I heard him WAIL (La Fiesta)!! Although this was recorded in the early 70s...it's NOT dated...it still SWINGS...beyond belief!! I own many (22) Stan Getz CDs...but I don't think he ever burned as hot on these testosterone-induced Latin numbers.

Why Stan didn't grab Chick, Tony Williams and Stanley Clarke and make a follow-up, I'll never know. He probably thought those young cats would give him cardiac arrest...but he need'nt worry...not only does he keep UP...he LEADS!! I must admit though, after listening to this CD...I had to catch my breath...and take a shower...it's HOT!!! Buy it...and sweat with a smile!

This special album is unfortunately not easy to get a hold of. If , by chance , you come across it,do not hesitate to get this beautiful ensemble of Stan Getz's best mellow pieces.