Remembering Stan Getz (1927-1991)

Who was Stan Getz?

Stan Getz (born Stanley Gayetski; February 2, 1927 – June 6, 1991) was an American jazz saxophonist. Playing primarily the tenor saxophone, Getz was known as “The Sound” because of his warm, lyrical tone, with his prime influence being the wispy, mellow timbre of his idol, Lester Young. Coming to prominence in the late 1940s with Woody Herman’s big band, Getz is described by critic Scott Yanow as “one of the all-time great tenor saxophonists”.

Stan Getz performed in bebop and cool jazz groups. Influenced by João Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim, he also helped popularize bossa nova in the United States with the hit 1964 single “The Girl from Ipanema”.

Stan Getz was one of the most talented saxophonists of all time. His virtues and his sensitivity when playing tenor differentiated him from the rest of his colleagues, although the path to fame was not easy.

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With a prestigious race already established for the 60s’, Getz had coded with the heavyweights of the genre; Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Oscar Peterson, Horace Silver and Roy Haynes, among others. However, the appearance in the scene of the iconic John Coltrane eclipsed the figure of the tenor, which did not have such a strident style, so he decided to look for new paths.

‘The Sound’, a musician with personality

While Mambo had played in the Tony orchestra of Carlo, it was with a trip by guitarist Charlie Bird to Brazil that the saxophonist discovered the rhythm that his intentions could accompany; The bossa-nova, originally from the tropical country, supposed another Feel when touching, which Getz understood perfectly.

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This was how Jazz Samba (1962) was born – the classic Sobo Samba – recording that put it on the map, and with which he began to develop his style of playing, with an incomparable cadence. From a young age he had been nicknamed as ‘The Sound’, precisely because of that sound that characterizes him.

Two years later, he composed with the renowned Joao Gilberto one of the most remembered works in the history of the Bossa-Nova: Getz/Gilberto (1964), which had an impeccable repertoire and exquisite interpretations of the Brazilian classics.

Later, he returned to the world jazz scene, playing with names such as Chick Korea, Stanley Clarke and Gary Burton, among other revolutionaries of the genre for the 80’s. However, at 64 he would lose a long fight against cancer and died on June 6, 1991. Born in the United States, he left his mark in Brazil and was considered one of the most important figures of the incipient genre.

Stan Getz discography

Stan Getz – The Final Concert (Live 1990)

The Stan Getz Group live at Munich Philarmonie, Munchen, 1990 Stan Getz – Tenor Saxophone Kenny Barron – Piano Eddie Del Barrio & Frank Zottoli – Synthesizers Alex Blake – Bass Terri Lyne Carrington – Drums.

Songs List:

Apasionado, On a Slow Boat to China, Soul Eyes, Espanola, Coba, Seven Steps to Heaven, El Cajon, Yours and Mine, Voyage, Lonely Lady, Blood Count, What Is This Thing Called Love?, People Time, Amorous Cat

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