"You will hear Stan Getz's name often in the same sentence with many of the great jazz musicians of the 20th Century. Miles. Thelonious. Fitzgerald. Getz's music work spans more than six decades, most notably highlighted by his contribution to bringing the Brazilian sounds of bossa nova jazz to the United States in the early 1960s. This compilation album is an excellent introduction to Getz's bossa nova sound and pays tribute to the tragically flawed Getz. The liner notes include the recording dates and location for each song; all of them were made between 1963 and 1967. Included are live versions of "Summertime", "One-Note Samba", "Here's That Rainy Day", and "The Girl from Impanema". If Dave Brubek has come to be identified by "Take Five", Getz's "Impanema" has come to soley define this tenor saxophonist in a classic and timeless manner which ranks as one of the most identifiable pieces of jazz music ever made, rivaled only by "Desfinado" as perhaps the defacto standard of the beautiful mannerisms of bossa nova jazz.The liner notes also detail that "nine of the 12 tracks helped launch - and have sustained - bossa nova, gentle sambas with imperishable melodies and poetic lyrics, sometimes tinged with melancholy." The album features the following artists: Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Charlie Byrd, Luiz Bonfa, Laurindo Almeida, Gary Burton, and Chick Corea. A well compiled summary of Getz, this album introduces the listener to Brazil's bossa nova sound quite elegantly. Interested in jazz but not sure where to start? Look no further as this lynchpin will get your collection off on the right foot."
A must have for any Jazz collection.
Nicolas Pottier | 01/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great album that both jazz fans and not so jazz fans can appreciate. The smooth sax of Stan Getz ranges from soothing on the opening track, to stacatto and aggressive later on, yet keeping his signature sound throughout. There are a few vocal tracks which are great as well. This album has a few live tracks on it, but is recorded excellently throughout. Even some of my friends which aren't into Jazz comment on the great music when I pop it in. One of my favorites CD's when I'm in a mellow mood and just want some good background music."
Great getz
Filippo Fontana | Milano, MI Italy | 12/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You cannot miss this, you'll find Getz at his best. Even after repeated listening every time I find something new. I'm particularly fond of this cd as it made me discover Getz.."
I Return Again and Again
Filippo Fontana | 01/15/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've listened to this CD at least 200 times. It's one of those that can play in the background or one that I sit and consciously listen to--and each time I hear some little twist and tweak I hadn't heard before.I have quite a few Getz CDs but this one is probably my favorite."
A delightful introduction to stan getz
Filippo Fontana | 03/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was the first Stan Getz CD I ever heard,and it was a great intro. Perfectly relaxing and interesting at the same time, Getz is like no other. they seem to focus on the Samba years here, making Compact Jazz a superb collection and great starting point."