Stan Getz and The Oscar Peterson Trio＜限定盤＞

対照的でありながら互いに補完し合う2人のジャズ界の巨匠、クールなトーンを奏でるテナーサックス奏者スタン・ゲッツと、力強い演奏を繰り広げるオスカー・ピーターソン・トリオの、稀有な共演を記録した1958年にヴァーヴ・レコードからリリースされた作品。

ノーマン・グランツがプロデュースし、1957年10月にハリウッドで録音されたこのセッションでは、ゲッツが、ジャズ界で最も結束力の強いリズムセクションのひとつとすでに評価されていたベテランたち、ピアノのピーターソン、ギターのリバート・エリス、ベースのレイ・ブラウンと共演している。ドラマーは参加していないが、グループは軽快で推進力のあるスウィングを維持し、ゲッツに「アイ・ウォント・トゥ・ビー・ハッピー」、「ツアーズ・エンド」、「ブロンクス・ブルース」などのスタンダード曲やオリジナル曲で、その実力を存分に発揮する場を与えている。「ツアーの終わり」、「ブロンクス・ブルース」などのスタンダード曲やオリジナル曲で、その実力を存分に発揮する余地を与えている。この時期のゲッツは、より落ち着いた、あるいはオーケストラを伴った演奏でよく知られていたが、このセッションでは、彼のビバップの言語とスモールグループのスウィングに対する熟練の技が際立っている。その推進力と反応の良さで知られるピーターソンのトリオは、ゲッツのトーンとフレージングに流動的に適応し、リラックスした相互作用、明瞭なリズム、そして控えめな技巧が印象的なセッションを生み出している。
＜パーソネル＞Stan Getz(ts) Oscar Peterson(p) Herb Ellis(g) Ray Brown(b)

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