Stan Getz at Storyville, Vols. 1 & 2

Read About This Recording

Stan Getz had one of the most beautiful tones ever heard on tenor-saxophone. His productive and episodic career was full of accomplishments but, no matter what style he played, Getz's tone uplifted the music, and due to his light tone, Getz became known as one of the leaders of the 'cool school' and was renowned for his playing on ballads. But Getz could also romp with the best (as he showed on records with Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton) and could hold his own in heated jam sessions. With guitarist Charlie Byrd, he launched the bossa nova movement. Getz had hit records of 'Desafinado' (with Byrd) and 'The Girl From Ipanema' (with Joao and Astrud Gilberto).

After a few years, Getz moved on, playing post-bop jazz with pianists Bill Evans and Chick Corea, leading an electric quartet for a time and finally returning to bebop but playing it his own way, often with pianist Kenny Barron. Back in 1951 when he had been out on his own for only a couple years, Getz had a magical musical partnership with guitarist Jimmy Raney; their tones, ideas and technical abilities were very complementary. The highpoint to their collaborations was a stunning live set cut at the Storyville club in Boston full of heated bebop.

At Storyville Vol. 1 & 2(a single CD) has their 13 performances from that night, performed in a quintet with pianist Al Haig, bassist Teddy Kotick and drummer Tiny Kahn. Whether it be the rapid 'Parker 51' (based on 'Cherokee'), 'The Song Is You,' 'Move,' 'Hershey Bar' or 'Budo,' the music is consistently stunning and exciting. Essential music for all jazz collections!

-Scott Yanow

Contents

Thou Swell; The Song Is You; Mosquito Knees; Pennies From Heaven; Move; Parker; Hershey Bar; Rubberneck; Signal; Everything Happens To Me; Jumping With Symphony Sid; Yesterdays; Budo.

Stan Getz, Tenor Sax; Jimmy Raney, Guitar; Al Haig, Piano; Teddy Kotick, Bass; Tiny Kahn, Drums.