This anthology collects a wide range of live performances by Stan Getz between 1952 and 1970, most of which appear on disc for the first time. The problem with this type of collection is that it frequently relies on taped broadcasts of dubious quality; the compression is severe though all of the instruments can generally be heard (except the piano at times). While Getz is playing very well throughout each of these dates, featuring him with a wide assortment of different musicians, including Jimmy Raney, Kenny Clarke, Martial Solal, Rene Urteger, and Gary Burton, to name just a few, the average-to-poor sound is definitely a considerable distraction. Although there is considerable hiss and some wow in the master tape, the 1970 versions of "'Round Midnight" and "A Night in Tunisia" are the highlights of this CD. Aside from the three tracks with Chet Baker, which sound identical to those on the Pacific Jazz reissue West Coast Live, the relative rarity of these recordings and one's devotion to collecting the works of Stan Getz will determine if it is a priority to acquire; the average bop fan can safely bypass this release. ~ Ken Dryden
