Stan Getz - Sweet Rain

OK seriously though, before I saw Nick’s post I had earlier today played the first part of Sweet Rain here at home. Lately, I’ve been wanting to really try and strengthen whatever chops I have in jazz to be somewhat on par with some of my other favorite genres. I still consider jazz to be the best of the best and easily, the music I would select if I only had one choice. And get this for a line-up on this album: Stan Getz on tenor, Chick Corea on piano, Grady Tate on drums and Ron Carter on bass.

This has to be one of Getz’ best albums, a definite classic in my book and that’s on any scale, jazz or all. This was after Getz had finally surpassed his bossa nova stylings and during a time where he was just ready to start coming out of his shell into the superb master craftsmen he was. Corea’s piano is sparse enough to allow Getz to get creative and even with two of Corea’s songs appearing from the five selected, Getz is still the driving force. “Litha” sounds especially nice because it acts as a ruffling beginning to the swaying gentleness of the other four tracks. Getz stuns with his usual lyrical melodic brilliance but this time, he is fast-paced, intense and on the move, always. Still, it’s absolutely stunning - if you want to hear why some even think he is better than Coltrane, check this one out:


None of the other three songs I wanted to pick were available so here is the cover they do of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “O Grande Amor.” Actually, I think this is off another one of his albums but nonetheless, Getz still had that Brazilian flavor and Jobim’s song is a gorgeous one:
- Bryan

The New Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto – Getz Au Go Go

The sadness of the rain can highlight even the dreariest of affairs. It can make the best of days a downtrodden experience and it can destroy any kind of plans you had for the outside. Lately, it seems as if life has been just a bit more challenging than usual and it’s definitely begun to weigh a toll on my writing and even hobbies. It never was supposed to be easy, I know that, but still, music finds a way to come shining through; especially when it’s the music of outstanding saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian vocalist, Astrud Gilberto. Their live performance was recorded and presented on Getz Au Go Go and it makes for splendid results, beginning with “Corcovado.” Hearing Gilberto switch from English to Portuguese with the calmness of a quiet night behind her, makes it all sounds delectably sweet. Getz acts more as an accompaniment to the lovely words that Gilberto is singing but is aware and ready in prime position to deliver the killer descending line of bliss. Even when life has you down, hearing Gilberto sing, “I who was lost and lonely, believing life was only a bitter tragic joke, have found with you the meaning of existence oh, my love” makes you believe in the power of love and that, it just might, latch onto you one day.


“Here’s That Rainy Day” is one of those standard ballads that is just as melodic as it is breathtaking. The song was originally introduced in a Broadway musical from the 50s but on this one, Getz showcases both his ability at nailing the tender high notes and melting it all with his superb vibrato. Most people remember Frank Sinatra’s many covers of the song but there is nothing better than Getz’ impeccable slurring of notes, his skill in combining the passing tones with the sevenths that float around the harmony, and his breathy approach that always leaves you both in awe and stunned at the richness of his tone. This isn’t the version on the album I have but it’s a different one that features a nice vibe solo on it, before Getz comes back to bring the sad and somber rain – Bryan