Stan Getz: Anniversary!

A straight-ahead swinging set from Getz and company (Kenny Barron, Rufus Reid, and Victor Lewis). Recorded live at the Montmarte Club in Copenhagen, Denmark, in celebration of Getz's 60th birthday. Getz's tone on ballads (I Can't Get Started, I Thought About You) is still as soft and soothing as ever, and Kenny Barron is always a pro and so enjoyable to listen to. The highlight for me on this recording is the mid-tempo Stella by Starlight, although the opening swinging number El Cahon is a great set-opener to hook you in. After Stella, Stan's Blues focuses first on Reid's creative blues ideas on his bass, before Getz sinks in... but then, when Barron gets a turn to play his behind the beat, groovy piano, watch out!). The most intense, up-tempo moments arrive late in the set, during What Is This Thing Called Love?, and leave room for some nice drum work from Victor Lewis.

Great, clean live sound at this nice club. From 1987, released on EmArCy.