Saturday, July 15, 2017

R.I.P.: Steve Getz (1948-2017)

(born on October 28, 1948; died on July 11, 2017)

Known as "Stan Getz's son", Steve actually did a lot for jazz, besides preserving his father's legacy.

I saw him for the first time when he toured Brazil playing percussion on Stan's band, in the mid-70s.

Much later, in 1985, he got in touch with me because Steve wanted to book Luiz Bonfa for an engagement at the Fat Tuesday's club, in NY, for which he was working. Bonfa liked Stan (he had been the first Brazilian musician to play and record with the legendary tenorist) and loved Steve.

So, a miracle happened and Bonfa, famous for avoiding performances in jazz clubs, accepted the invitation and did a series of sold-out "concerts" (we couldn't call a Bonfa performance "a gig"...) at Fat Tuesday's, backed by Nilson Matta on bass, Waltinho Anastacio on percussion, plus guests Yana Purim and Octavio Burnier.

Bev Getz, Steve's sister, has informed esophageal cancer surgery as the cause of his passing.
Rest in Peace.

2 comments:

Jazz on Riverside Drive said...

I met Steve Getz in the early 90s & we became friends & I took Steve down to LA's Union Station when he decided to relocate to San Diego & have often wondered how he was doing & am shocked that he passed some years ago, 'May Steve Getz Rest in peace'

Jazz on Riverside Drive said...

I was a friend of Steve Getz & took Steve down to LA Union Station when he decided to relocate to San Diego & am shocked that he passed some yrs ago. 'May Steve Getz Rest in Peace'

Michael E. Chapman