Focus – Live
Stan Getz
Stan Getz and the Eddie Sauter Orchestra in a previously unreleased (and filmed) version of a selection from the classic album
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In 1961, shortly after he returned to the United States after three years overseas, and shortly before he began making his famous bossa-nova recordings, Stan Getz recorded one of the highpoints of his career.
A suite called Focus was composed by Eddie Sauter for a string orchestra.
Most intriguing is that no part was written for Stan Getz who was showcased throughout the album; Sauter had him sit in with the orchestra and simply create his part as the music progressed.
The result was magical, featuring a jazz improviser at the peak of his creativity.
This film clip has Getz playing part of the suite, a valuable performance that was not included on the album.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald