5. Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd: “Desafinado” (Jazz Samba; Verve, 1962)
The first of his two genre-defining Brazilian jazz albums features the music that Getz was always meant to make. Its ad hoc circumstances (recorded on the fly at the reception hall of a Washington, D.C. church) might have made for a mess, but the gentle (if insistent) rhythms of the music, coupled with the remarkable abilities of his partner, guitarist Charlie Byrd, and accompanists (bassist Keter Betts and Joe Byrd, percussionists Buddy Deppenschmidt and Bill Reichenbach) gave Getz the context to make a masterpiece. If one never heard another of his recordings, it would be a terrible shame, but one would nevertheless have experienced the great saxophonist’s essence.
It makes sense to draw parallels between the artfully quiet and thoughtful music of protean Scottish drummer/composer Sebastian Rochford and the gentle conversation he makes … Read More “Sebastian Rochford’s Quiet ‘Diary’”
OK, that’s funny, but it also implies a problem. People who dismiss the accordion as soon as they hear it, as soon as it triggers … Read More “The Accordion in Jazz: Who’s Laughing Now?”
Taurey Butler finds a home away from home
One of the most generous aspects of interviewing British-born Hammond B-3 organist and electric pianist Brian Auger—the toast of Swinging London’s soul-jazz scene and a … Read More “Brian Auger”
