A jazz artist embraces Bossa Nova on this re-mastered vinyl.
The New Stan Getz Quartet Featuring Astrid Gilberto – Getz Au Go Go – Verve Records V6-8600 (1964)/Verve/UMG Recordings 602475207771 Acoustic Sounds Series [5/7/2025] 180-gram stereo vinyl, 39:04 ****1/2:
(Stan Getz – tenor saxophone; Astrud Gilberto – vocals; Gary Burton – vibes; Kenny Burrell – guitar; Gene Cherico – bass; Chuck Israels – bass; Helcio Milito – drums; Joe Hunt – drums)
During the late 50’s and early 60’s Bossa Nova became intermingled with popular culture, especially music. Brazilian musicians like João Gilberto helped to launch this genre (which had roots in samba) with his 1958 release, Chega de Saudade. Influential albums like the soundtrack to Black Orpheus (which included the hit,. “Manhā de Carnaval”) broadened the commercial appeal. American jazz artist Stan Getz recorded Getz/Gilberto, strengthening the connection between these two styles of music. Perhaps, the biggest cultural touchstone was Astral Gilberto’s 1963 hit, “The Girl From Ipanema”. There was a Bossa Nova dance and the movement spread to popular music, television and music.
Verve/UMG Recordings (as part of the Acoustic Sounds Series) has released a re-mastered 180-gram vinyl of the 1964 album, Getz Au Go Go. Recorded live in Greenwich Village, the performance is a combination of Brazilian pieces and traditional jazz. Joining Getz are Astrid Gilberto (vocals), Gary Burton (vibes), Kenny Burrell (guitar), Gene Cherico (bass), Chuck Israel (bass), Helcio Milito (drums) and Joe Hunt (drums). Side A opens with the romantic Jobim song, “Corcovado (Quiet Night Of Quiet Stars)”. There is a tender glow as Gilberto sings in her unique ethereal voice. Getz complements her sultry vocals and contributes a relaxed vibrato-laced solo. This sonic texture carries over to the pop and jazz standard, “It Might As Well Be Spring”. Gilberto’s reticent delivery is matched by Getz’ cool delivery, never overshadowing the vocals. Leaning back into Bossa Nova, “Eu E Voce” is breezy and showcases the lyrics all In Portuguese. The flow is steady and the arrangement is concise. A certain highlight is the instrumental cover of Gershwin’s iconic song from Porgy And Bess, “Summertime”. There is an understated swing resonance and Getz is magnetic on his improvisation. Burton offers a nimble counterpoint to the saxophone runs and then shines on a radiant extended solo. The quartet adds some tenacity as Getz distills the evocative resonance of the Southern gospel/folk motifs.
Astrud Gilberto’s singing is very effective on “Only Trust Your Heart”. With Burton, Cherico and Hunt combining in a polished tempo, Getz caresses the melody and provides well-timed accents. A Gary Burton original composition (“The Singing Song”) feels more like a cool jazz treatment with a festive waltz-time structure, clip-clop percussion and solos on saxophone and vibes. The overall buoyancy of the quartet and Gilberto is palpable on Brazilian guitarist Robert Menescal’s quirky “The Telephone Song”. The set concludes with two very different brilliant covers. “One Note Samba” may be the quintessential song of the burgeoning 1960’s South American cultural influence, featured on the LP, Jazz Samba. There have been many versions, and this one is among the best. The compelling descending chords in the verse are hypnotic. Getz and Gilberto exchange scat and playing in an interesting counterpoint. Getz injects punctuation and hands it back for the bi-lingual vocals. “Here’s That Rainy Day” is achingly emotional and nuanced. It is the epitome of jazz balladry (with some gentle swing) and Burton’s shimmering vibraphone (a compelling solo) generates warmth and coherence to Getz’ soulful articulation.
This is another milestone in the Verve/UMG collaboration with Acoustic Sounds. Getz Au Go Go established that accessibility does not inhibit jazz expression. This pressing was transferred from the original analog tapes and sounds vibrant and more expansive. Superior gatefold packaging and a protective album sleeve will be appreciated by vinyl aficionados.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Getz Au Go Go
TrackList:
Side A: Corcovado (Quiet Night Of Quiet Stars; It Might As Well Be Spring; Eu E Voce; Summertime; 6-Nix-Pix-Flix
Side B: Only Trust Your Heart; The Singing Song; The Telephone Song; One Note Samba; Here’s That Rainy Day.
