Stan Getz Presents Jimmie Rowles: The Peacocks

Tenor saxophonist Stan Getz's career as a producer for Sony Music came late in his overall career as a sometimes-troubled jazz veteran. The odd thing is that his personal troubles, of which there were some real doozies, never seemed to disrupt the music. And his second outing as a producer features some of the most unshakably calm stuff in his oeuvre. Getz's intent on Peacocks was to bring the underappreciated Jimmy Rowles to the fore, allowing the pianist to shine with his remarkable, long-lasting sense of balladry and seasoned, rough, romantic voice. Together, Rowles and Getz shine on several duets, including the wondrous, low-key swing of "What Am I Here For?" and the sublime flow of Rowles's "The Peacocks." It's not all butter, though, as Getz calls on drummer Elvin Jones and bassist Buster Williams to create a strong, supple quartet on a pair of Wayne Shorter numbers, "Lester Left Town" and "The Chess Players." The latter tune features Jon, Judy, and Michelle Hendricks along with Beverly Getz. Rowles knocks off a couple solo tracks, both showing off his reach--from swing era and Tin Pan Alley phrasing to hints of more daring execution. Through it all, though, Getz plays his heart out, milking every phrase for its musical core and the breathy shell just around the tone. It's a magnificent display, top to bottom. --Andrew Bartlett