Melody Express 1948-52

This 26 track CD presents studio output from one of Stan Getz' finest bands, the quintet he co-led with the guitarist Jimmy Raney (featured here) during the early 1950's. These recordings ably demonstrate why Getz had recently become one of the most influential musicians in jazz. Ballads like "Autumn Leaves" and "These Foolish Things" are amongst his finest early work, whilst up-tempo swingers like "The Way You Look Tonight" reveal that Getz could still hit hard without breaking a sweat. Besides the guitar of Raney, Getz sideman on this CD include some of the most talented names in 1950's jazz including the pianists Horace Silver, Al Haig and Duke and the legendary drummer Roy Haynes. Features 2 alternate takes. OMIT-3/13/08-Capitol