Search - Stan Getz :: Focus

Bringing the rest of the world into "Focus"

Eric C. Sedensky | Madison, AL, US | 03/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By now everyone knows the story of how Stan Getz just asked (famous arranger/composer) Eddie Sauter to write a suite or something for strings that Getz could play over. Sauter did as asked, and Getz did as planned. And while the story is interesting enough, the music is even more so. This masterful album is, very simply, the top of the saxophone heap. It is rumored that John Coltrane said of Stan Getz, "If all of us [sax players] could play that way, we would." I feel fairly certain that Coltrane had this recording in mind when he made that statement. At no time does Getz seem out of synch with the orchestra, even though they were not recorded together and overdubbing was kept to a minimum. Stan just knew where he wanted to go with every melodic nuance, and he promptly took the songs there. Imagining this recording without sax is not easily accomplished because of the stunning complexity and subtlety Getz brings to each song. No wonder. He did two takes of the first song and the producers found them both so good, they jammed them together into one song. Then there's the bonus tracks that provide some more insight into Getz's genius, as the listener gets to see a little different way of looking at some of the songs. This really is a great "bonus" in that sense. The copious liner notes, both original and updated, put this historic, one-of-a-kind masterpiece in perspective. I just can't think of anything negative to say about this CD. If you're into jazz and you don't have this yet, you need to grab it up. If you're not into jazz but intrepid enough to pick this up, prepare to become a jazz convert. To see jazz as its meant to be seen, all you need is a little "Focus".



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