Final Concert Recording, The

JazzTimes - "...Getz imbues selections with his trademark passion and beauty....impressive..." Down Beat - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Getz is at the top of his form here..."

The title of this two-CD set is partially correct, as it is likely the final complete concert featuring Stan Getz to be recorded and issued, though the live compilation of concert excerpts with pianist Kenny Barron (People Time) was recorded the following year. This performance at the Munich Philharmonic Hall is a bit unusual, in that the tenor saxophonist augmented his quartet with two synthesizer players, Eddy Del Barrio and Frank Zottolik, for some bland arrangements from his disappointing Apasionado CD made for Herb Alpert, in which Getz's majestic tone is the only object of interest, as the melodies are rather forgettable. Far better are the straight-ahead renditions of old favorites like "On a Slow Boat to China," "Soul Eyes," and the dramatic interpretation of "Blood Count" (written by Billy Strayhorn as he lay dying of cancer in a hospital). Getz also was inspired by Barron's driving "Voyage" (a tune they frequently played together on tours during the leader's final years), and a duet with Barron of Benny Carter's elegant ballad "People Time." Getz's playing is first-rate throughout the show and he gives no indication that he is in a battle for his life with the cancer that would claim him within a year. While an all-mainstream set would have been more satisfying, this set should still be considered essential for fans of Stan Getz. ~ Ken Dryden|