This 1952 recording of With the Wind and the Rain in Your Hair from Stan Getz Plays features two soloists in a medium-up swing treatment of Clara Edwards' standard, taken at approximately 180 BPM in E-flat major. Stan Getz delivers an expansive two-chorus tenor saxophone solo over the 32-bar AABA form, followed by a full-chorus piano solo from Jimmy Rowles. The track is one of the longest improvisational statements on the album, with three total choruses of solo space allowing both musicians to develop their ideas at length. Getz's extended solo showcases his ability to sustain interest and build momentum across multiple choruses, constructing a narrative arc that evolves from lyrical opening statements to more rhythmically charged passages. Rowles matches Getz's extended commitment with a complete chorus of his own, his harmonically rich, melodically inventive piano work providing a satisfying complement to the tenor saxophone feature. With the Wind and the Rain in Your Hair was a relatively obscure standard even in 1952, and its inclusion reflects Getz's characteristic interest in unearthing overlooked material from the American songbook. The medium-up tempo finds a sweet spot that allows for both melodic development and rhythmic excitement. This performance stands as one of the more substantial tracks on Stan Getz Plays, offering a generous window into the improvisational thinking of two exceptional jazz musicians.
