AMG Review of Life in Jazz: A Musical Biography

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This sampler of Stan Getz's Verve recordings was released at the same time (in 1996) as a definitive biography also titled A Life in Jazz. The 11 selections are all excellent but would have been more effective if released in chronological order. There are three numbers from the 1950s, five from the '60s, one from 1987 and two from 1991 including a version of "Night and Day" that is taken from the tenor's final recording session. Highlights include "Billie's Bounce" (a 1957 collaboration with trombonist J.J. Johnson), "Corcovado" from the Getz/Gilberto album and "Summertime" with Gary Burton; there is also a guest shot with Abbey Lincoln. All of the selections are available elsewhere but this CD serves as a good introduction to Stan Getz's musical magic.