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Vol. 8 of the Verve Jazz Masters series features Stan Getz in a wide variety of settings. Of the many recordings he did for the label, it would be hard to pin down his greatest tracks, but what is included on this collection has depth and substance, if not being altogether familiar. The CD is bookended by his most famous bossa nova hits, “Desafinado” and the immortal “The Girl from Ipanema.” In between, you get a cross section of bop, ballads, and a little string-sweetened music. The cuts that stand out are the swinger of Duke Jordan*s “Jordu,” Chick Corea*s sprightly waltz “Windows,” and European organist Eddy Louiss and Getz doing the soulful “Dynasty.” The brilliant but obscure guitarist Rene Thomas is also present. What could easily be expanded to a double or triple CD is condensed into an intriguing mix of tunes that faithfully showcases the cool and more energetic tenor of Getz. It*s a good purchase. ~ Review by Michael G. Nastos ~