| Review by misterjazz February 19, 2005 (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics:  |
Since the jury seems to be out on the Fantasy SACD releases, I decided to hedge my bets and temper my possible disappointment by making my first choice a much loved album. Fantasy FSA-3266-6, now known as Stan Getz/Cal Tjader Sextet, was listed as Stan Getz with Cal Tjader (OJCCD-275-2) on the spine of the 1990 CD release which I also have. The session date is correctly listed on the SACD release as February 1958 (the CD incorrectly lists it as from 2/63). As usual, I can't find my vinyl copy of this, but in comparing the cover art of the CD to the SACD version, there is a striking difference. Unlike some of the Concord SACDs which seem to have softened detail in the cover art, the photo of Cal Tjader and Stan Getz appears to be a little bit sharper, although Tjader's face seems a hair too bright (a minor quibble). One improvement (for me at least) is that the background of the photo is darker with less detail, thereby drawing your eyes to Tjader and Getz. Overall, a design improvement and an auspicious start
Okay, so much for appearances. I wish I knew if I've got any other album featuring the first number, Vince Guaraldi's "Ginza Samba" which clocks in at a quick 10:57. I just love that piece! The other six numbers are no slouch either and I find it hard to believe that this album was recorded in only three hours with only two numbers needing a second take (sadly we don't get the additional takes). My impression from reading about this session is that Tjader and Getz had played together before but had not been recorded together before. They play though as if they had played together forever.
Okay, I admit that I was a bit nervous as I hit play. I'm happy to report though that my initial fear that this would only be a slight improvement over the CD proved to be unfounded. From the moment the music started, I had a smile on my face. It has a presence and an energy that tells you right away that it is a SACD and makes me want to buy all the other Fantasy titles and give my brother-in-law my CD versions. Getz and everybody else sounds great but the vibes are truly otherworldly. They sound especially lifelike. Maybe I'm crazy but I got the feeling that somebody who plays the vibes could tell you exactly how the mallets are striking the bars (even the angle of the striking). Maybe somebody else could wring a little more out of these performances sonically (and then again maybe not) but I'm definitely satisfied and will probably be upgrading my entire collection as new releases are (hopefully) forthcoming. The verdict: money well spent.
My only complaint? The hybrid label was attached to the jewel case and not the cellophane outer covering and of course it is all but impossible to get the glue off.
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| Review by miguelito54 July 9, 2007 (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics: |
Musically, the pairing of Stan Getz and Cal Tjader was a great idea. They inspire each other to excellent solos, while the rhythm section with some of San Francisco's best men (Vince Guaraldi, Eddie Duran, Scott LaFaro and Billy Higgins) swings like mad.
The sound is almost as good as on a Contemporary session - when Fantasy wanted back in the 1950's, they were pretty close (I remember them proudly talking about their newly acquired Telefunken mics in the liner notes to Eddie Duran's LP). Lively, great presence of the vibes and tenor sax. If this doesn't brighten up your spirits on a moody day, nothing will.
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