Although the name Stan Getz (tenor sax) was initially synonymous with the West Coast cool scene during the mid-to-late 1950s, he likewise became a key component in the Bossa Nova craze of the early 1960s. Getz Au Go Go (1965) is Stan Getz in his prime, recorded with perhaps one of the best quartets of his career, featuring Bossa Nova singer Astrud Gilberto.

The album was recorded in 1964 during two concerts in the venerable Greenwich Village venue, the Café Au Go Go, two months after Astrud Gilberto's "Girl From Ipanema" became a Top Five pop single. However, the focus of Getz Au Go Go steers away from the Brazilian flavored fare, bringing Gilberto into the realm of a decidedly more North American style.

The band features a young Gary Burton ( vibraphone ), Kenny Burrell ( guitar ), Gene Cherico ( bass ), and Joe Hunt ( drums ). There are a few personnel substitutions, with Helcio Milito ( drums ) and Chuck Israels ( bass ), respectively, filling in. Getz Au Go Go is highly recommended for all dimensions of jazz enthusiasts.

Tracks

Side A

A1. Corcovado

A2. It Might As Well Be Spring

A3. Eu E Voce

A4. Summertime

A5. 6-Nix-Pix-Flix

Side B

B1. Only Trust Your Heart

B2. The Singing Song

B3. The Telephone Song

B4. One Note Samba

B5. Here's That Rainy Day