Stan Getz – West Coast Jazz

Unlike the actual west-coast jazz of 1955, West Coast Jazz, with the title being an inside joke, as Stan Getz was anything but a west coast jazz musician, is entirely energized straight ahead bop, where each song is flush with dynamic interplays and soaring solos that have been well constructed, sustainably creative, and in the fashion of Mr. Getz, entirely tasteful.

At the time, this was considered very modern music from this talented twenty-eight year old, the stuff that would become legendary, not so much for the power it conveys, and it does convey a sense of power, but for the manner in which that powerfulness swings with an interesting nature that caused heads to turn, like seeing a new red sports car zip by. I this album fondly, my original copy was mono and I love it, though the reissue by Verve Records nearly twenty years ago (1999), complete with bonus tracks shines with a new splendor, yet in the same breath, for me, stands as almost a new listening experience.

What made this record such an inspiration and delight was the sensational pairing of Getz with those on the LA jazz scene, where while headlining at the nightclub Zardi’a Jazzland, the east and west coasts collided like a star going supernova … flowering effortlessly to my way of thinking, as West Coast Jazz was one of music’s defining moments. I suggest this because so much jazz had a roll of the dice feel surrounding it, yet here that same freedom and emancipation was derived from considered discipline construction and presentation.

Without a doubt, as an impressionable pre-teen, West Coast Jazz was my first adventure into the nature of Sgt. Pepper. As to which vinyl to get, there are many pricey versions out there, so, may I suggest you find your way to the WaxTime recording from Europe, released in 2010 as a limited edition on 180 gram vinyl … the price is righteous and the music comes across flawlessly.

*** The Fun Facts: Getz recorded this album while in California working on the movie “The Benny Goodman Story,” where the artwork by David Martin suggested that there was an entirely new world happening on the west coast that hipsters from New York were not even aware of; though a mere decade later, the west coast would shine like a jewel.

Review by Jenell Kesler

I know there has been a lot of writing and talk about these re-issue jazz records, from different labels. There is definitely some to avoid out there, but at least it doesn't cost that much. I have bought some different titles, from different labels, which re-issue all these wonderfull records from the past. Waxtime is one of these companies who put out jazz records, and i have bought a few. Even though i don`t own the original press, i must say that this Stan Getz version here, is pretty good (imo), and i am a true Audiophile and quality matters a lot to me. I have some AP, MFSL, Audio Fidelity, Sundazed and other labels who "claims" to be making these re-issue`s from original master tapes, and i think you can count on that. But they also cost a hell of a lot more. In that case i am carefull about where to put my money. If it is a record i just need to have in the best quality as posible, i am glad to spend more on the good press. But i would have no problem buying records Waxtime, Jazz Wax, NOT now and a few others. As long the price is low and the end result is ok for you. I know it can be for me. Best Thomas