Stan Sulzmann On Loan With Gratitude

AVID Jazz continues with its Four Classic Albums series with a re-mastered 2CD fourth set release from Stan Getz, complete with original artwork, liner notes and personnel details.

It doesn't happen too often, but there are times when the title of a jazz album and the material within interface perfectly. Hence The Steamer, where Stan Getz joined forces with a super West Coast-based rhythm section to produce some truly steaming music. "Blues for Mary Jane" is remarkable; for all of the straight-ahead heat generated by the rhythm section, Getz is incredibly relaxed, poised, and always under control while still managing to swing like mad. In other words, the style that he was able to carry over to his bossa nova adventures in the following decade is right here, ready to go. There is also room for the Getz-ballad manner on "You're Blase," and "Like Someone in Love" combines a leisurely swinging tempo with Getz's natural warmth…

On this LP the great tenor Stan Getz is heard with a quartet comprised of pianist Albert Dailey, bassist Clint Houston and drummer Billy Hart. Together they stretch out on four extended performances (all between nine and 11 minutes long) that are highlighted by "Lover Man" and "Invitation." More straightahead than Getz's other Columbia albums of the period, this set finds him really pushing himself.