Stan Getz Kenny Barron - People Time (14 tracks) +Album Reviews

Stan's last record : two hours of pure joy

JEAN-MARIE JUIF | BESANCON France | 10/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although he was dying from cancer in March 1991, Stan Getz choose the most difficult combination for his last public appearances: the duet,tenor sax and piano, with the magnificent Kenny Barron.These two CDs were recorded live in Copenhagen,at the famous "Café Montmartre",on March 3,4,5 and 6,1991.Three months later, on June 6,Stan Getz died.The result is certainly Getz's greatest recording, and even if he had only made this record,he would be one of jazz greatests artists forever.It seems incredible that a man,who is almost dead,desperatly fighting illness,can blow with such mastery.His choruses on "East of the sun","night and day","hush-a-bye","softly as in a morning sunrise","stablemates" are some of the most beautiful things ever played.He also plays an incredible version of Charlie Haden's theme, "first song".Beeing certainly Stan's best record,this is also true for Kenny Barron,who is amazing all through these two hours.He explodes as one of the greatests jazz pianists of the end of the century.I've been amazed by Stan's "anniversary" and "serenity" albums on EmArcy,but this one is miles ahead.A milestone in the history of jazz,and the most definitive recordings by Mr Getz,one of the most beautiful voices of tenor saxophone."

Almost too much

johnnyqb | United States | 01/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the most achingly beautiful record I have ever heard, in any genre of music. Getz seems to be seeking redemption and meaning for a life that he must have felt had been largely squandered in alcohol and drugs. Having achieved sobriety in his last few years, he seemed bent on leaving a testament to his true gifts, which were stupendous. This is why Serenity, Anniversary, and especially this record are the most beautiful of his career."

Last recordng by the best sax player of his generation

Justin Replogle | 02/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The best sax player of his generation joined by one of the best pianists ever. This is Getz last recording, and some of his solos are almost unbearably sad. His lyrical inventiveness was never greater though. Getz doesn't embellish the original melody in his solos. He makes comletely new ones of even greater beauty. Here they are often plaintive and full of pain. Jazz artists rarely display this sort of emotional openess. But Getz's technnical skills and Romantic imagination turn all this into high art. Barron, of course, is simply the best jazz pianist around. Together they have produced a truly great album."

A Crucial Album For Any Getz Aficianado

Le Kang | Le Monde | 04/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is truly essential for anyone's jazz collection, especially if you are a fan of Getz and his astonishingly beautiful lyricism. The fact that it is Getz' last recording before his death only adds poignancy and depth to the album. Had it been recorded in the 70s or even earlier, however, it still would've stood alone as an amazing album. On the album, Getz' tenor loses some of its usual sonorous tone due to Getz' old age and waning strength. Even the most casual listener, however, will still have no problem appreciating Getz' soul-searching melodic lines and mastery of the instrument. Having seen Kenny Barron several times live, I definitely feel comfortable saying he is one of my favorites. Let me say--he definitely does not disappoint here. The two of them, Getz nearing the end and Barron playing in his prime, make for a masterful combination and an indispensable album. The songs are not nearly as unstructured or convoluted as this review, with a natural interplay between the two that could only be called a "conversation" of sorts. It is somewhat depressing to hear Getz trying to do things he would have done in his sleep while in his prime--but again, it simply adds to the beauty of the album. Check out ending on his original recording of "I Remember Clifford" and compare it to the on on "People Time"--you can almost sense Getz' bittersweet resignation resonating throughout the Coda. Definitely buy this one."

Stan's Valedictory: passion, ecstasy, beauty, truth & pain

rash67 | USA | 06/06/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Stan Getz last known recording. Full of passion, ecstasy, beauty, truth and pain.This live duet concert was recorded months before Stan Getz, the greatest saxophist of all times, died of cancer.it is, in a sense, this CD is the opposite of the "Cool" aloof Roulette recordings, while never sacrificing poetry or beauty. Stan appears to know each note may be his last. He put a lifetime of infrequently expressed emotions on these two CD's. He never sounds harsh, abrasive or overblowing like so many of his contemporaries. When he is happy he is happy, when he is sad, the ballads are so emotional they palpably hang in the air after the sound stops. Yes, his sound is a tad less breathy and melifluous than usual, Kenny Barrows says Stan's illness left him sometimes out of breath after his solos. Both soloist "stretch out" with long complex detailed solos that never lose your interest.Even though his excellent career was over 40 years long, it's a shame he didn't live to do more. Steve Getz, his son, says Stan's music had a healing quality. I think that's true.Particularly moving are "East of the Sun and West of the Moon", "Gone with the Wind" and the title track. One of Stan Getz Best - See my list. 4 1/2 stars for performance, but I'm a very tough grader. 5 stars for a flawless recording."

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