The Stan Getz Quintet: "West Coast Jazz"

This album came about as a result of a gig Stan Getz had in Los Angeles at a high-end club called "Zardi's" in July 1955. Getz put together this ad hoc band of some of his favorite players living in L.A. and fortunately they were available of this long gig. The people were trumpeter Conte Candoli, pianist Lou Levy, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drum great Shelly Manne. The band gelled on the first night at Zardi's and as word got around the club did a land office business. It was decided at mid point of the gig to bring the band into the studio and record an album and this is it! Getz of course needs no introduction as he was one of the major voices of the tenor saxophone and unequaled in his flowing, melodic improvisation. He is at ease at any tempo and a great ballad player. The rest of the band is obviously inspired by Stan and this album was one of the best from this period. It was recorded on August 9 and 15, 1955. The title of the album is "West Coast Jazz" but that only refers to the fact that everybody at the time was living in L.A. They were all from somewhere else. The band has a New York kind of energy and flow. Enjoy Mr. Getz and co., tonight's Jazz Feature.