Stan Getz with Kenny Barron - People Time

This album, a series of duets laying the wondrously inquisitive piano of Kenny Barron next to the breathy, half-lit tenor of Stan Getz, was both the last public appearance and the final recording in the life of Getz. Recorded with astonishing clarity live at Copenhagen's Montmartre Café, People Time serves as a passionate coda to the life of this great saxophonist. Many of the tunes seem chosen for their emotional content, as if Getz were aware this might be his swan song. Speculation aside, this is a remarkably gorgeous, exquisitely paced recording. Throughout, Getz and Barron exhibit both a deep understanding of the material as well as sympathetic, truly harmonious playing. Never rushed, never brash, People Time lingers over melodies, fleshing them out and extracting every ounce of feeling. A must-have for fans of both artists. --S. Duda Amazon.com essential recording

an objective pinnacle of human expression

stan recorded this session with months left to live in a staggering carear of music making . to be joined on these absolutely transcendent tracks by his frequent collaborator and brother in all but birth , kenny barron , is a gift to all with the capacity to appreciate it . August 3, 2008

Has to be rated as the greatest tenor sax jazz player ever

I have Getz's records going back to the early 40's. I've followed his carreer and have listened live at many nightclubs in the 70's to early 90's. When he died I almost felt like a part of me had also. I could not get myself to listen to any of the last recordings. It was only about six month ago that I finally bought 'People Time'. It blew me away as I never would have believed his sound could be so strong and pure with his death so near. The greatest tune on this album to me is 'Surrey with the fringe on the top'! He showed he had not lost any tone or playfull, lyrical improvisation in this cut.
I recommend to every Getz fan and ANY Jazz fan of great saxaphone. September 23, 2007

Impossibly Beautiful

This live CD set was made while Getz was dying of cancer. Read all the reviews on this one.

I can only add that the final tune "Soul Eyes" on CD #2 starts off with Getz and Barron together and then Getz disappears after his solo. The tune and album end with Barron creating a heart-breaking coda by himself. Getz was silent. Getz was gone.

He died weeks later. March 29, 2006

Great Album

This is Stan at his best with a world class pianist, Kenny Barron. No rhythm section (it's not needed), just these to greats making incredible music. Their take on standards sounds so fresh, yet time-less. The melodic element is never lost as they interact musically. This is a must-have album for any jazz lover! March 8, 2006

bittersweet, but wonderful

What music!

Getz solos are very mature and developed, and Barron plays absolutely incredible. His deft soloning is inspiring. wow.

The sparse instrumentation of sax and piano gives this an airy sound. I love how Barron and Getz weave in and out of each others spaces wonderfully. Even though there's no drums or bass present, they keep great time on their own. I hardly even notice the abscence of the usual bass/drums. (I'll bet a lot of drummers and bassists have practiced along with this one, supplying their own accompaniment.)

The songs are mostly standards, which Getz always seems to personalize so nicely. And the audience is so quiet - they were witnessing landmark performances that were thankfully preserved for all of us on this recording.

Shawn October 7, 2005

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