Stan Getz ‎– At Storyville Vol. 2 (Japanese Pressing)

Rare Japanese Pressing of this Famous Classic Jazz Recording.

At Storyville captures tenor saxophonist Stan Getz in October 1951 at the height of his creative abilities. Of course, this isn’t to say that Getz’s music ever lacked originality in his later years. However, this live date features the youthful drive and musical eagerness lost in some of Getz’s ’80s and early-’90s releases (He died in 1991). There is nothing like hearing a jazz giant brimming with energy and vitality. Despite the criticism that Getz’s playing was cold or overly detached at times, this music shows a hot horn player blazing through many of the album’s 13 tracks. These sessions also mark one of the few times that this particular lineup performed together. Less than a month after this album was recorded, the quintet disbanded, with Getz taking work with NBC’s studio orchestra and pianist Al Haig going on a long musical hiatus. Sadly, drummer Tiny Kahn died just two years after this performance. All this makes this disc that much more precious. Standout tracks include “Parker 51,” a clever reworking of “Cherokee,” and “Jumping with Symphony Sid,” a tribute to Getz’s idol, Lester Young.