The Jazz Show Episode May 15, 2023
Stan Getz: "Focus"
9:03pm - 12:39am
Tonight's Jazz Feature is a unique one of a kind recording by the great tenor saxophonist Stan Getz. He said when interviewed near his passing that "Focus" was his favorite album. It it essentially Stan Getz improvising over 7 compositions that could stand on their own by Eddie Sauter. They tried many approaches at rehearsals and came up with this simple formula, Stan would use his skills as a master improviser to make all these pieces happen. The seven compositions cover a huge range of moods from exciting to romantic to whimsical to fanciful. This album stands alone as one of the masterpieces of 20th century music. Stan Getz, Eddie Sauter's compositions and the large string orchestra conducted by Hershy Kay. It was recorded over several sessions beginning in July 1961 and wrapping up in October of 1961. Focus is Getz' masterpiece and tonight's Jazz Feature.