Stan Getz

The Profile

Stan Getz (1927–1991) was an American tenor saxophonist, a leading voice of cool jazz and a catalyst of the 1960s bossa nova wave in the U.S. Nicknamed “The Sound,” he recorded landmarks like Jazz Samba and Getz/Gilberto and delivered acclaimed late-career projects with pianist Kenny Barron, including People Time.

Reviewed works include Stan Getz with Guest Artist Laurindo Almeida (1963); But Beautiful (live, 1974) with the Bill Evans Trio; Voyage (1986) with Kenny Barron, Victor Lewis, and George Mraz; and Bossas and Ballads: The Lost Sessions (recorded 1989, released 2003, produced by Herb Alpert). Reviews highlight Getz’s mature 1980s sound, lyrical bossa nova approach, and strong rapport with Barron.

Four reviews spotlight Stan Getz’s velvet tone across eras: a 1963 bossa nova set with Laurindo Almeida, a 1974 live date with Bill Evans, the 1986 quartet album Voyage, and the 1989 Lost Sessions (issued in 2003). Themes: lyric swing, luminous sound, and telepathic rapport with Kenny Barron. Overall mood: admiring and warm.