Search - Stan Getz :: Blue Skies

More great late-period Getz

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 12/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What was Concord thinking? They sat on this disc for 13, as in THIRTEEN, years. Recorded in 1982 and not released until 1995, this ranks as one of Getz's finest recordings. All the trademark Getz pleasures reside within its grooves: the burnished tone; beauty sans sentimentality; ravishing lyricism (certainly one of his most lyrical discs ever); brilliant group interplay. Indeed, this is one of his very best bands. Jim McNeely, a pianist who has never received his due, seems the perfect partner for Getz. His solo on "Antigny," moving effortlessly and beguilingly between the classical and jazz worlds, simply astounds. And he can get downright bloozy, as well (check out his solo on "Easy Living"). Marc Johnson, who played in Bill Evans's last trio, lends both grit and fluidity, as well as a charming modernism, to the proceedings. Billy Hart, a drummer of both huge accomplishment and consummate taste, complements the other players magnificently. If falling just short of the Barron/Mraz/Lewis configuration on Bossas and Ballads, this is nevertheless one of the finer units to every play jazz together.



If ever a disc deserved five stars, it is this one."

Stylish Graceful and Sophisticated

Gijs Elsen | UK | 09/19/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Getz was already the grand old man of the tenor saxophone when he recorded this. His sound is beautiful and still unmistakable Stan. He's got nothing to prove and plays with a superior grace. Fair to say, after all these years, there are few surprises, but who needs them when he plays like this! The recording quality is excellent, the band plays superb and in particular Jim McNeely's piano playing is a delight (check out his solo on Antigny). It makes this "late evening-red wine-and-candellight" disc even more worthwhile"

The Poetry of Stan Getz

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 04/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""People think that I play effortlessly. I remember doing a record date with Bill Evans and afterwards he said to me, you make it sound so easy but when I get right up next to you you're working hard and making it sound easy!" ~ Stan Getz ~



"Blue Skies" by Stan Getz is one of the most remarkable albums that he recorded in the eighties, which represents the last decade of his prolific musical career. The CD contains six slow ballads executed in his usual beautiful, lyrical and poetic tones with the support of his talented sidemen, Jimmy McNeely on piano, Billy Hart on drums and Marc Johnson on bass.



The jazz world would not be as sparkling and interesting without the elegant music of Stan Getz. He had greatly contributed his creative artistry to jazz and left behind so many beautiful recordings for music lovers to collect and enjoy.



This recording presents Stan Getz at his most reflective mood. All the tunes are simply pleasing to the ears most especially one of the most beautiful melodies composed by George Gershwin, "How Long Has This Been Going On?" And ditto with Richard Rodgers' "Spring Is Here," Ralph Rainger's "Easy Living" and my top favorite from this short but very delightful program, Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies."



I likened Getz's musicality to Shakespeare's poetry. Both excelled in their respective art that it would be impossible not to appreciate their talents. If Getz were a poet, he would be in the league with Shakespeare.



This music sounds so exquisitely smooth, mellow and relaxed. It's just the perfect listen for relaxing on a quiet evening. For fans of Stan Getz, this is a welcome addition to your jazz collection. You'll love it!



With my heartfelt recommendation."