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Stan Getz and the Oscar Peterson Trio is a 1958 studio album by Stan Getz, accompanied by the Oscar Peterson Trio.

“In that quintessential breakthrough year of modern jazz – 1957 – Norman Granz was fond of pairing the legendary drummerless trio of Oscar Peterson with several different stars from the Jazz at the Philharmonic concert series. In this case, Stan Getz is the nominee, and Granz could not have found a better match for the pianist alongside his peerless combo than the ripe, mature, and bebopping tenor saxophonist. It was a one-shot deal, the only official collaboration between Getz and Peterson, expanded on this edition of the Silver Collection series with tracks from the complete session, with no alternate takes or bonus tracks and recorded entirely in monaural. Unlike Art Tatum — who could never really restrain his notions to always cut loose — Peterson sounds relatively relaxed on this date, understanding that Getz was also not going to shred up every tune they played. With guitarist Herb Ellis and bassist Ray Brown, the quartet members not only have all the rhythmic cohesion they need without a formal timekeeper, but interact in a way that approaches telepathic or magical. In short, the quartet is in the zone like few groups ever achieve in a studio setting. They zip through a bop-based edition of “I Want to Be Happy,” a hopped-up adaptation of “Sweet Georgia Brown” titled “Tour’s End,” and the flawless “Three Little Words” like they are child’s play. The strong Kansas City cum Texas-style guitar of Ellis cannot be denied during “Bronx Blues,” while Getz reins in the countrified air of the jam in a laid-back but downtown fashion. During the great song (penned by Ellis) “Detour Ahead,” heard here in an instrumental, post-Billie Holiday version, the ensemble shows ultimate flexibility, heightened by the tenor saxophonist’s touching yet firm grasp of the melody. Aside from the closer, “Blues for Herky,” with a choppy guitar from Ellis and a New Orleans-type feel, the rest of the material consists of ballads or midtempo cool tunes. This is where Peterson is most surprising, toning down his act, interpreting the songs with the precision of a diamond cutter, and using his acute listening skills to the fullest. Those bedazzled by the utter virtuosity of the pianist should listen more closely to this recording to hear how his taste level is as elevated as the monster technique he possesses. While “I Was Doing All Right” approaches a lounge sound, the five-tune “Ballad Medley” displays Peterson at his best, especially on his feature, “How Long Has This Been Going On.” On this great album for the times and all time, these wonderful musicians are on from the word go, providing 60 priceless minutes of music that any mainstream jazz lover can embrace.” – Michael G. Nastos/AllMusic.

Track listing:
“I Want to Be Happy” (Irving Caesar, Vincent Youmans) – 7:35
“Pennies from Heaven” (Arthur Johnston, Johnny Burke) – 5:16
Ballad Medley: “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”/”I Don’t Know Why (I Just Do)”/”How Long Has This Been Going On?”/”I Can’t Get Started”/”Polka Dots and Moonbeams” (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart)/(Fred E. Ahlert, Roy Turk)/(George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin)/(Vernon Duke, I. Gershwin)/(Jimmy Van Heusen, Burke) – 10:10
“I’m Glad There Is You” (Jimmy Dorsey, Paul Mertz) – 4:38
“Tour’s End” (Stan Getz) – 4:55
“I Was Doing All Right” (G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin) – 4:08
“Bronx Blues” (Getz) – 5:31
“Three Little Words” (Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby) – 6:35 Bonus track on CD reissue
“Detour Ahead” (Lou Carter, Herb Ellis, John Freigo) – 3:36 Bonus track on CD reissue
“Sunday” (Chester Conn, Benny Krueger, Ned Miller, Jule Styne) – 6:08 Bonus track on CD reissue
“Blues for Herky” (Getz) – 3:45 Bonus track on CD reissue

Personnel:
Stan Getz – tenor saxophone
Oscar Peterson – piano
Herb Ellis – guitar
Ray Brown – double bass

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Released: 1958
Recorded: October 10, 1957
Studio: Capitol Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA
Length: 47:30
Label: Verve
Producer: Norman Granz