STAN GETZ: BIG BAND BOSSA NOVA (ACOUSTIC SOUNDS SERIES)

Performer: Stan Getz, baritone saxophone; Jim Hall, guitar; Hank Jones, piano; Tommy Williams, double bass; Johnny Rae, drums; Bob Brookmeyer, trombone, and others, conducted by Gary McFarland
Artist: Stan Getz
Number of discs: 1
Barcode: 0199957085069
Label: Analogue Productions
Format: LP
Genre: Jazz
Year: 2026
Reference: ASLPVER40305
Available from: 2026-08-28

Released in 1962, this album did not simply ride the wave of bossa nova — it helped create it. Following Getz’s highly successful collaborations with Charlie Byrd, Big Band Bossa Nova expands the sonic palette, combining the airy sensuality of Brazilian rhythms with the grandeur and sophistication of a full jazz orchestra. The result is a recording with an atmosphere that feels both intimate and cinematic: rich brass arrangements flowing beneath Getz’s unmistakable tenor sound, warm as sunlight and cool as midnight.

Getz leaves his relaxed imprint on the album with “Manha de Carnival” and “Chega de Saudade”. Jim Hall takes Charlie Byrd’s place on acoustic guitar with his customary fluidity, while Hank Jones brings a bebop-inspired approach to the piano, as noted by AllMusic in its four-star review.

Contemporary critics recognised this shift. Writing in Gramophone in early 1963, Nigel Hunter noted the “bossa nova furore” spreading across the Atlantic, identifying Getz as one of its most convincing ambassadors. Although the dance itself could leave audiences somewhat perplexed, the music told a different story: one of sophistication, accessibility and undeniable appeal.

More than six decades later, Big Band Bossa Nova remains a landmark of the genre and an important reference point in Getz’s discography.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Manha De Carnival (Morning of Carnival)
2. Balanço No Samba (Street Dance)
3. Melancolico (Melancholy)
4. Entre Amigos (Sympathy Between Friends)

Side B

1. Chega De Saudade (Too Much Longing)
2. Noite Triste (Night Sadness)
3. Samba De Uma Nota So (One Note Samba)
4. Bim Bom