Focus (Stan Getz album) Focus (Stan Getz album) Focus is a jazz album recorded in 1961, featuring Stan Getz on tenor saxophone with a string orchestra. The album is a suite which was originally commissioned by Getz from composer and arranger Eddie Sauter. Widely regarded as a high point for both men's careers, "Focus" was described by Getz as his favorite of all his recordings. The pair would next collaborate on their soundtrack to the 1965 film "Mickey One". As noted in the booklet for the 1997 CD reissue, Sauter's orchestration did not include melodies for Getz. Rather, Sauter left spaces in the arrangements
Getz/Gilberto "Vivo Sonhando" were composed solely by Jobim. According to Ruy Castro, Gilberto and Getz often disagreed on which was the best take leaving the choice to producer Creed Taylor. During one session, Gilberto, who did not speak English, and impatient with Getz's rhythmic style, told Antônio Carlos Jobim: "Tell this gringo he is an idiot". Jobim then translated: "Stan, João is saying that his dream always was to record with you". Getz's harder approach to the music did not please Gilberto who preferred a more delicate style. Due to these artistic differences, "Getz/Gilberto #2" features Getz and his quartet on