AMG Review of Essential Stan Getz: The Getz Songbook

Michael G. Nastos
All Music Guide

Aside from the rather horrid #Bevis & Butthead cartoon rendering on the album cover, this is a tasteful compilation of tenor saxophonist Stan Getz in his mellower mood. Seven of the tracks are ballads, two of those with a big band and strings, while ten are small-group sessions. Also included are three of his premier Brazilian numbers: "Bahia," "Corcovado," and "The Girl from Ipanema" with Astrud and João Gilberto. The warm sound of Getz is obviously prominent, even on the three more energetic swingers, including the bopping "Of Thee I Sing." While far from a complete overview of the career of Getz, especially due to the exclusion of his early-years material, this would be an excellent CD with which to cozy up by the fire with your sweetheart and let the music melt into the both of you.