By David Rickert
Quite a bit of debate surrounds the new mini-LP series from Verve (at least among serious jazz collectors, anyway). For one thing, many prefer the more durable jewel cases to the cardboard LP replicas and complain about the high price (close to twenty dollars) for what appear to be sessions of marginal interest. In reality, the worst thing about the packaging is that the cloth CD protectors never seem to fit back into the cardboard sleeve, giving the case a distinctive bulge after the first listen. But are they worth the price? HereÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs a look at a couple of discs from the first series of releases.
Stan Getz and the Cool Sounds
Stan Getz
1954
Stan Getz and the Cool Sounds is exactly what youÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂd expect from a Stan Getz album. Getz was a remarkably consistent performer, one who rarely put out a bad record and fit in comfortably in a variety of settings. The ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂcool soundsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ in the title refers not only to the relaxed atmosphere of the record but also to the group of West Coast jazzmen recruited as sidemen. Anyone familiar with the cool jazz scene will instantly recognize the likes of Manne, Levy, and Brookmeyer, who help fashion an environment of relaxed swing with gentle nuances. Even Roach, definitely the wild card here, has no problems fitting in with the more restrained sensibilities of the West Coasters. Getz always did fit in quite well with the cool school, even though he preferred to think of himself as more of a heavy hitter. Despite his reluctant association with the scene, the setting provides Getz with plenty of opportunities to demonstrate his keen melodic gifts; the ballads and mid-tempo numbers that Getz excels at so beautifully are here in spades. Thus those who have plenty of GetzÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs work in their collection will find this album to be more of the same. Fortunately, this is a good thing.
1975: The Duets
Dave Brubeck/Paul Desmond
1975
Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond were one the great partnerships in jazz; together, they created some of the most indelible recordings from the fifties and sixties. After they parted ways, Desmond put to wax some decent records for CTI while Brubeck continued his own musical adventures without him. Good fortune brought them together one last time for an engagement on the cruise ship Rotterdam, an event that inspired this album. As one might expect, the tunes have shades of cocktail jazz: quiet, unassuming melodies with no odd time signatures to be found. Even the three Brubeck originals are played with a hint of modesty and reserve. What makes this album special is the deep sense of communication the two share; over the years they have lost none of the empathy so well documented on their Columbia recordings. Having Brubeck and Desmond record as a duo was a terrific idea, bringing to the front the lyricism that was always the hallmark of the quartet. A thread of wistful melancholy runs through the entire album, almost as if they knew this would be the last time they would play together. Simply put, a beautiful record. Long out of print, this is must for Brubeck fans.
Stan Getz-Stan Getz and the Cool Sounds
Tracks: Of Thee I Sing; A Handful of Stars; Love Is Here To Stay; Serenade In Blue; Flamingo; Blue Bells; Roundup Time; Nobody Else But Me; Down By the Sycamore Tree; Rustic Hop.
Personnel: Stan Getz-tenor sax with Lou Levy-piano; Shelly Manne-drums; Leroy Vinnegar-bass; Bill Anthony-bass; John Williams-piano; Bob Brookmeyer-trombone; Frank Isola-drums; Tony Fruscella-trumpet; Jimmy Rowles-piano; Max Roach-drums; Bobby Whitlock-bass; Bill Crow-bass; Alan Levitt-drums.
Dave Brubeck/Paul Desmond-1975: The Duets
Tracks: Alice In Wonderland; These Foolish Things; Blue Dove; Stardust; Koto Song; Balcony Rock; Summer Song; You Go To My Head.
Personnel: Dave Brubeck-piano; Paul Desmond-alto sax.
Verve on the web: http://www.verveinteractive.com
