(Verve / Polydor (UK) Stereo LP 2304 034, recorded 1971)
Stan Getz was looking for a fresh challenge. Already the most recognised and feted saxophonist of his generation, save perhaps Sonny Rollins, he didn't want to be trotted out to play "Desafinado" any more. So, while in Europe for yet another tour, he contacted Francy Boland, the co-leader of perhaps Europe's most accomplished jazz orchestra, the Clarke / Boland Big Band. He wanted Francy to provide some fresh material, and that's what Francy did, in spades! Not a bossa nova in sight, and original and daring writing by Boland guaranteed that Getz would be challenged in a meaningful way by six extended suites, all penned by Francy Boland and designed to integrate Getz the improvisor with the orchestra. An unqualified success, featuring many of Europe's leading jazz players, who also get to solo. The list includes Art Farmer, American trumpet star then resident in Vienna, Brits Ronnie Scott, Tony Coe and Stan Saltzmann on reeds, ex-pat Americans Benny Bailey, trumpet, Sahib Shihab and Kenny Clarke, and others too numerous to mention. This album is not listed in Gold Mine Jazz Record Price Guide, so it was probably never released in the U.S.A. That makes this a rare album.
No comments:
Post a Comment