This live follow-up to the surprise blockbuster Getz/Gilberto was inevitable. Interestingly, the original LP release of the October 1964 Carnegie Hall concert focused on separate sets by Getz’s quartet (featuring vibist Gary Burton) and Gilberto’s trio: each is as meditative and sweetly melancholic as you’d expect.
Justifiably overshadowed by the peerless Getz/Gilberto album (which featured “Girl from Ipanema”) from a year before, Getz/Gilberto #2 still holds its own with an appealing selection of fine jazz and bossa nova cuts. Unlike the first album’s seamless collaboration by Getz, João Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, here Getz and João Gilberto turn in separate sets recorded live at Carnegie Hall in October of 1964. Backed by a stellar quartet comprised of vibraphonist Gary Burton, bassist Gene Cherico, and drummer Joe Hunt, Getz turns in a sparkling performances on the seldom covered ballad “Tonight I’ll Shall Sleep with a Smile on My Face,” while stretching out nicely on his original blues swinger “Stan’s Blues.” With the support of bassist Keeter Betts and drummer Helcio Milito, Gilberto displays his subtle vocal and guitar talents on a set of bossa nova favorites, including his own “Bim Bom” and Jobim’s “Meditation.” An appealing title amongst Getz’s many bossa nova outings, but not an essential one. Newcomers should definitely start with the Getz/Gilberto album before checking this one out.
01 – Grandfather’s Waltz
02 – Tonight I Shall Sleep With A Smile On My Face
03 – Stan’s Blues
04 – Here’s That Rainy Day
05 – Samba De Minha Terra
06 – Rosa Moreno
07 – Um Abraco No Bonea
08 – Bim Bom
09 – Meditation
10 – O Pato (The Duck)
Personnel:
Stan Getz – tenor saxophone
João Gilberto – guitar vocal
Gary Burton – vibraphone
Gene Cherico, Keter Betts – bass
Joe Hunt, Helcio Melito – drums
Astrud Gilberto – vocal
Production:
Producer: Creed Taylor
Recording engineer: Rudy Van Gelder
Mastering engineer: Kevin Reeves