Customer Reviews

Blue Skies

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What was Concord thinking? They sat on this disc for 13, as in THIRTEEN, years. Recorded in 1982 and not released until 1995, this ranks as one of Getz's finest recordings. All the trademark Getz pleasures reside within its grooves: the burnished tone; beauty sans sentimentality; ravishing lyricism (certainly one of his most lyrical discs ever); brilliant group interplay. Indeed, this is one of his very best bands. Jim McNeely, a pianist who has never received his due, seems the perfect partner for Getz. His solo on "Antigny," moving effortlessly and beguilingly between the classical and jazz worlds, simply astounds. And he can get downright bloozy, as well (check out his solo on "Easy Living"). Marc Johnson, who played in Bill Evans's last trio, lends both grit and fluidity, as well as a charming modernism, to the proceedings. Billy Hart, a drummer of both huge accomplishment and consummate taste, complements the other players magnificently. If falling just short of the Barron/Mraz/Lewis configuration on Bossas and Ballads, this is nevertheless one of the finer units to every play jazz together.

If ever a disc deserved five stars, it is this one.

Getz was already the grand old man of the tenor saxophone when he recorded this. His sound is beautiful and still unmistakable Stan. He's got nothing to prove and plays with a superior grace. Fair to say, after all these years, there are few surprises, but who needs them when he plays like this! The recording quality is excellent, the band plays superb and in particular Jim McNeely's piano playing is a delight (check out his solo on Antigny). It makes this "late evening-red wine-and-candellight" disc even more worthwhile

One of my all time favorite Getz albums, for what that's worth.

Very high on the list!

"Antigny" is VERY sad, like an eligy. "Spring is Here" is melancholy and wistful but played with an inner peace. "Easy Living" is warm. "There we go" is the only complex upbeat tune. The title track is playful.

This is the ballad half of the "Pure Getz" concert (I think this is the much better half, despite it's delayed release). Mostly Standards Getz meshes well with other players in the band. Ensemble playing is as close to perfect as it gets. With a sense of effortless lightness.

ROMANTIC, Smoky, Lyrical, Blue fog notes. Good for late night listening. Lyrical and melancholy.

These Concord albums are rapidly going out of stock. Buy it while you can!!!

Excellent recording quality. Highest recommendation! One of Stan's best posthumous releases. Wish I could change rating to 5 stars (or more).

"People think that I play effortlessly. I remember doing a record date with Bill Evans and afterwards he said to me, you make it sound so easy but when I get right up next to you you're working hard and making it sound easy!" ~ Stan Getz ~

"Blue Skies" by Stan Getz is one of the most remarkable albums that he recorded in the eighties, which represents the last decade of his prolific musical career. The CD contains six slow ballads executed in his usual beautiful, lyrical and poetic tones with the support of his talented sidemen, Jimmy McNeely on piano, Billy Hart on drums and Marc Johnson on bass.

The jazz world would not be as sparkling and interesting without the elegant music of Stan Getz. He had greatly contributed his creative artistry to jazz and left behind so many beautiful recordings for music lovers to collect and enjoy.

This recording presents Stan Getz at his most reflective mood. All the tunes are simply pleasing to the ears most especially one of the most beautiful melodies composed by George Gershwin, "How Long Has This Been Going On?" And ditto with Richard Rodgers' "Spring Is Here," Ralph Rainger's "Easy Living" and my top favorite from this short but very delightful program, Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies."

I likened Getz's musicality to Shakespeare's poetry. Both excelled in their respective art that it would be impossible not to appreciate their talents. If Getz were a poet, he would be in the league with Shakespeare.

This music sounds so exquisitely smooth, mellow and relaxed. It's just the perfect listen for relaxing on a quiet evening. For fans of Stan Getz, this is a welcome addition to your jazz collection. You'll love it!

With my heartfelt recommendation.

This is one of the best of Getz best late period albums. from the mid 80's. Much beauty sadness, pathos (Antigny), but also calm and tranquility. Very heartfelt music. The opposite of Cool and aloof. Warm and Melodic. As relaxed, laidback, smooth and classy as a shot of warm ten year old cognac. Stan has the ability to create romance and take the edge off a traumatic week at work.

Of all Getz many ballads recorded, Antigny is perhaps the bleakest and darkest. The others are more typical warm, melodic Getz. Spring is Here and the spacious title track, Blue Skies, (on the wistful side), are melodic and particularly memorable.

Well recorded.

Not a bad song on ther album, all are great!

Hightest recommendation. Get it while you can.

"Blue Skies" released in 1982 on Concord Records is a fantastic album. Absolute lyrical beauty. Jazz doesn't get much better than this folks. This is the ticket right here. From start to finish, you won't be disappointed, especially if you're a Getz fan. Getz is joined by Jim McNeely on piano, Marc Johnson on bass, and Billy Hart on drums. This trio is empathic to Getz's musical vision. If this album doesn't bring tears to your eyes, especially after hearing the second tune "Antigny," then you have no soul. You don't want to miss out on this one. Highly recommended.

This posthumous release isn't as well-known - or as well-regarded - as the 1987 Copenhagen concerts released on Anniversary and Serenity. But in terms of beautiful, sensitive ballad playing, it's among the best Getz I've heard. With the exception of the Jim McNeely original "There We Go", this is a slow-paced program. Four of the ballads are standards, ranging from the wistful ("How Long Has This Been Going On", "Spring Is Here") to the upbeat ("Blue Skies"). It's the fifth - Marc Johnson's "Antigny" - that is my personal highlight. It's more abstract than the standard ballads, but generates a kind of mystic tenderness that gets me every time. The supporting cast here - McNeely, Johnson, and Billy Hart - is top notch.

If you love this recording, as I'm sure most will, I would check out its companion release, Pure Getz, which is more oriented toward Stan's bebop playing. Both are must-hears for fans of his playing.