Stanley Gayetsky (February 2, 1927 in Philadelphia – June 6, 1991 in Malibu, California), usually known by his stage name Stan Getz, was an American jazz musician. He is considered one of the greatest tenor saxophone players of all time. Known as "The Sound" because of his warm, lyrical tone, Getz's prime influence was the wispy, mellow tone of his idol, Lester Young.
In 1943, he was accepted into Jack Teagarden's band, and because of his youth he became Teagarden's ward. Getz also played along with Nat King Cole and Lionel Hampton. After playing for Stan Kenton, Jimmy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman, Getz was a soloist with Woody Herman from 1947 to 1949 in 'the second herd' and he first gained wide attention as one of the bands saxophonists, who were known collectively as 'the four brothers', the others being Serge Chaloff, Zoot Sims and Herbie Steward. With Herman, he had a hit with "Early Autumn" and after Getz left 'the second herd' he was able to launch his solo career. He would be the leader on almost all of his recording sessions after 1950.
In the 1950s, Getz become popular playing cool jazz with Horace Silver, Johnny Smith, Oscar Peterson, and many others. His first two quintets were notable for their personnel, including Charlie Parker's rhythm section of drummer Roy Haynes, pianist Al Haig and bassist Tommy Potter.
Unfortunately, the only clip I could find of "The Girl from Ipanema" is not a good one. However, I include it, along with "Desafinado" (Grammy winner for Getz) and a few others. Notice that, while the general public may only know Getz from his Brazilian period, his contributions to Jazz were mostly in the "Cool School".
I only listened to one cut; I'll hear the others later. I find her interpretation of the tune a bit too "New Age-ish", but the piano player did some nice work in the middle.
I prefer Brazilian Jazz to be a bit more Latin, rather than qualifying as Brazilian by the nationality of the artists, which is what I think this is.
Posts: 17213 | Location: Lincoln Place, Granite City, IL, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
My speakers on my P.C. have packed up, so I can't listen to the You Tube songs you link to (nor to Molly Greacen)but I know some very well. I used to have the acclaimed Getz/Gilberto L.P though, and remember that Stan Getz was the only American featured on it! As a fan of Jim Tomlinson (a relative newcomer I know) I shall have to investigate Stan Getz in a lot more detail than that one (excellent) album.
Posts: 800 | Location: Paris | Registered: 04-28-03
Below is a link to a good 5 minute cut of the song. You may have to download the player, but it only takes a couple of minutes. Listen to how Getz actually makes the vocal better by his phrasing.
