Stan Getz’s great talent was universally
acclaimed by music fans and fellow musicians
alike. His playing always showed the
early influences of Lester Young and
it was not without flavours of Charlie
Parker. On ballads his tone, melody
and flowing lines were often executed
with the sensuality of Ben Webster.
‘Anniversary’
was recorded live in Copenhagen
in 1987 – four years before he died.
One of his finest partnerships came
at this time and here the ‘mature’ Getz
is joined by Kenny Barron, piano – Rufus
Reid, bass and Victor Lewis, drums.
Not only were these three of the most
popular accompanists around they were
chosen by Getz because he admired their
work, they could work off each other
and he fell easily into their ideas
and new directions.
Commentators
have often claimed that many jazz creators
reach the climax of their musical careers
by the age of thirty. Not so with Stan
Getz as ‘Anniversary’ shows –
this honest and beautiful music came
during the last years of his life. As
with so many of the ‘jazz greats’ Getz
walked a tightrope throughout his life
but he managed to leave us with a wealth
of quality recordings. This music will
live forever and the re-issue of ‘Anniversary’
will enable the future generation
to realize the joy and intensity of
his work.
It
is well recognized that Stan Getz was
one of the finest saxophone players
that ever lived. Ben Webster was renowned
for his ballad playing and the intense
feeling he put into a performance. Getz
was the same – there was so much in
his expressive genius that it could
bring tears to the eyes. On the other
hand when he was ‘cooking’ on an up
tempo number ‘Stanley the Steamer’ was
up with the very best. There is no need
to highlight or go into detail on any
of the seven tracks on ‘Anniversary.’
Each has its own qualities and
character and throughout Getz and his
three companions turn in a performance
par excellence.
Jack Ashby
CD Reviews
Universal Music 838 769 – 2
