Dave Gelly: Stan Getz - Nobody Else But Me.

I'm re-reading Dave Gelly's superb 2002 biography of Stan Getz Nobody Else But Me. How well he brings the man and his music to life! As indeed he should, Gelly being no mean tenor player himself. He's right into the man even more so than a Getzian devotee like myself could ever be.

Putting the book down to pour myself a cup of tea, or something stronger, I looked at the pile of CDs awaiting review. Did I listen to some band from Finland, Lapland or Toyland playing their own compositions or did I continue reading and play some Getz? No contest!

Stan the Man ruled!

Ballad playing, only equalled by, arguably, Art Pepper, Paul Desmond or Chet Baker - who also contributed to the vocal equation - along with Frank and Mel,

There's never been a greater set of ballad performances to compare  with Getz's 1950/52 recordings. Later, of course, came the more ambitious projects, the bossa albums, the strings, the organ trio but, these, for me, rubber stamped his place in jazz history.

Tomorrow it's 'back on your heads lads'... However, in the meantime, Stan's blowing Thanks For the Memory... I'll sleep well tonight!

Or maybe I won't - memories can bring on insomnia. Still. if it does, I've got a good book to read and some wonderful music to listen to!

Lance.