The Art of the Ballad (Jazz / Ballads / Compilation, Vinyl LP) VSP‑17 - Getz, Gillespie, Peterson, Hawkins,++

 The Art of the Ballad (Jazz / Ballads / Compilation, Vinyl LP) VSP‑17

Label: VSP (Verve Series) Format: Vinyl LP, Stereo Country: U.S.A. Genre: Jazz / Ballads / Compilation Year: 1960s

Tracklist

Side One: 

• I’m Through With Love – Stan Getz (tenor sax) Accompanied by: Wynton Kelly (piano), Wendell Marshall (bass), J.C. Heard (drums)

• Without a Word of Warning – Paul Gonsalves (tenor sax) Accompanied by: Wynton Kelly (piano), Wendell Marshall (bass), J.C. Heard (drums)

• I Can’t Get Started – Roy Eldridge (trumpet), Oscar Peterson (piano), Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet) Accompanied by: Herb Ellis (guitar), Ray Brown (bass), Louis Bellson (drums) (Recorded October 29, 1954)

Side Two 

• Pastel – Illinois Jacquet (tenor sax)

• Stairway to the Stars – Lee Konitz (alto sax)

• There’s a Small Hotel – Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax)

• When I Fall in Love – Ben Webster (tenor sax)

Description This rare U.S. Verve VSP pressing (VSP‑17) compiles masterful ballad performances from jazz legends including Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, and Dizzy Gillespie. Drawn from sessions produced by Norman Granz, Bob Shad, and others, the album features intimate solos backed by elite rhythm sections—Wynton Kelly, Oscar Peterson, Milt Hinton, and J.C. Heard among them. Highlights include Illinois Jacquet’s “Pastel,” Lee Konitz’s “Stairway to the Stars,” and Hawkins’ lush take on “There’s a Small Hotel.” A collector’s gem for fans of lyrical improvisation and classic jazz tone.

Complete Condition

 Jacket ✔️9-10 rxcellent

Vinyl ✔️10 both sides

Labels ✔️10

 Listing # ✔️R79