Stan Getz - Serenity (EmArcy, 1987) & Anniversary (EmArcy, 1989)

This post is by Dan

Stan Getz (ts); Kenny Barron (p); Rufus Reid (b); Victor Lewis (d)

Recorded July 6 ,1987

Following the success of his Voyage album in 1986, Stan Getz toured Europe the following summer. Serenity and Anniversary were recorded by Danish radio during two sets at Copenhagen's Jazzhus Montmartre  

I offered high praise for Voyage in my previous post, and the Montmartre performances are just as rewarding, while adding the spontaneity of live performance. Rufus Reid substitutes for George Mraz, but that is hardly a sacrifice (as much as I love Mraz). The audience is enthusiastic and responsive. Montmartre is a relatively small club, and the locals are avid jazz fans. This is how live jazz should be experienced (and recorded).

You can feel the band hit stride from the first note. Kenny Baron is in especially fine form. He and Getz knew they had found a great connection, and they exploit it to the fullest. Whenever Getz might think about coasting or playing too gently, Barron steers him in more adventurous directions. Reid and drummer Victor Lewis also keep things perking, especially during the faster tunes. The ballads show Getz at his most comfortable, lavishing the audience with his beautifully expressive tone. 

A video release containing seven of the songs from July 6th was also made. A later compilation CD included nine songs. There is not much difference in the quality of playing across the different programs and formats. 

Serenity was not released on LP. Anniversary was released on both LP and CD two years after Serenity. The LP has four tracks, while the CD has seven. The video is worth it for the visual images of the band, although the sound is better on the CDs and LPs.

One should not confuse the 1987 Montmartre sessions with the 1977 sessions recorded at the same club and released as Live at Montmartre, Vols 1 & 2 (SteepleChase, 1977).