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.
CD Reviews
Universal VERVE 838 769 – 2 
