Stan Getz 1966

On November 14, 1966, an extraordinary concert by the Stan Getz Quartet took place at the renowned London School of Economics. This concert is not only a musical highlight, but also a valuable contemporary document that offers us an insight into the jazz scene of the 1960s. The original concert recording, which is now available colorized, allows us to experience this important performance in a new light and recreate the atmosphere of the time.

The London School of Economics (LSE) was a focal point of intellectual and cultural activity in the 1960s. In this dynamic and politically charged atmosphere, the LSE provided a stage for some of the most important artists and thinkers of the time. Stan Getz's concert took place in an environment characterized by debates about social justice, economic theories and political movements. The LSE attracted students and academics from all over the world who were looking for new ideas and artistic inspiration. In this context, the music of Stan Getz and his quartet was able to unfold its full effect and touch the audience deeply.

A world-class artist

Stan Getz, born in Philadelphia in 1927, was already an icon of jazz in the 1960s. Known for his unmistakably soft and lyrical tone on the tenor saxophone, he had made a name for himself through his work with the great swing bands of the 1940s and his later successes in cool jazz and bossa nova. At the time the concert took place at the LSE, Getz was particularly known for his collaborations with Brazilian musicians such as João Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim, which had produced classics such as "The Girl from Ipanema".

The Stan Getz Quartet, which performed that evening in London, consisted of outstanding musicians who have each made a significant contribution to jazz history:

• Gary Burton (vibraphone)Burton, a pioneer of the four-mallet style, brought a new dimension to jazz improvisation. His collaboration with Getz began in the early 1960s and brought a unique timbre to the quartet's music.

• Steve Swallow (Bass)Swallow was known for his melodic approach on the bass and his ability to shine in both traditional and avant-garde contexts. His creative energy and rhythmic sense enriched the quartet enormously.

• Roy Haynes (drums)Haynes, one of the most versatile and influential drummers in jazz history, brought an incomparable dynamism and virtuosity to the group. His career spanned several decades and he played with almost all the big names in jazz.

The colorized TV recording of the 1966 concert offers us today, in the year 2024, an impressive opportunity to rediscover the art and atmosphere of this era. The colorization technique gives the black-and-white film an additional dimension and allows us to experience the musicians and their performance even more vividly. From today's perspective, this recording not only shows the virtuosity and interplay of the musicians, but also the timeless quality of their art. It is proof that great music survives generations and can be rediscovered again and again.

For jazz lovers and those who want to become one, the media library of the London School of Economics offers a veritable treasure trove of rare concert recordings. With an annual or biennial ticket, you can not only experience the Stan Getz Quartet concert, but also discover other historic recordings by artists such as Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson. These concerts are not only musically impressive, but also of great cultural and historical value.

Immerse yourself in the world of 1960s jazz and experience the magic of the Stan Getz Quartet live from the London School of Economics. Watch the colorized recording and let yourself be enchanted by the timeless music of these masters. Visit the media library and discover more rare gems of jazz history.