Stan Getz’s album *Focus*, released in 1961, is a unique piece in his collection. This chamber jazz suite was composed and arranged by Eddie Sauter, with Getz as the only improviser. It will be reissued on all-analog 180-gram vinyl on November 14, 2025, as part of the Verve Vault Series.
Recorded in July 1961 at Webster Hall in New York City, *Focus* features Getz’s expressive tenor saxophone alongside a string orchestra conducted by Hershy Kay. The seven-movement suite was originally meant for violinist Jascha Heifetz and showcases layered harmonies and rich orchestral textures. Getz’s parts were completely improvised, recorded live in single takes without any written music. He skillfully navigated the pre-composed sections with his melodic creativity and emotional depth.
This album marks a true collaboration between Sauter and Getz, breaking away from the typical jazz “with strings” albums of that era. Sauter’s arrangements highlight complex rhythms and harmonic depth, while Getz delivers a lyrical and instinctive performance. The result is one of the most original and bold projects in Getz’s career.
The Verve Vault Series offers all-analog 180-gram vinyl reissues of essential albums from the Verve, Impulse!, and Mercury catalogs. Each release is mastered by Ryan K. Smith from the original analog tapes and pressed at Optimal, ensuring top-notch audio quality. Previous releases in the series include *Sonny Side Up* by Dizzy Gillespie and *The Composer of Desafinado Plays* by Antonio Carlos Jobim, both released on October 10, 2025. Check out the Verve Vault series now!
