Shall We Dance / Getting To Know You by The Mastersounds: A Jazz Gem That Still Swings
Man, if you’re a jazz fan and haven’t heard Shall We Dance / Getting To Know You by The Mastersounds, you’re missing out on something special. Released in 1959 under World Pacific Records, this album feels like stepping into a smoky club where the air is thick with cool vibes and everyone’s just vibin’. It’s one of those records that doesn’t try too hard but still hits all the right notes.
Let me tell ya about two tracks that stuck with me—“Getting To Know You” and “Shall We Dance?” These aren’t just songs; they feel more like moments. Like, when you first press play on “Getting To Know You,” it’s almost as if the band is inviting you to sit down and chill for a sec. The rhythm has this laid-back groove that makes your shoulders drop and your mind unwind. You can hear how tight the group is—every note feels intentional yet effortless, ya know? There’s no rush, no flashy solos trying to steal the show. Just pure, unfiltered swing. It’s the kind of track that reminds me why I fell in love with jazz in the first place.
And then there’s “Shall We Dance?” Oh man, this one grabs you by the hand and pulls you onto the floor before you even realize what’s happening. The energy here is infectious—it’s playful, flirty, and full of life. I swear, every time I listen to it, I catch myself nodding my head or tapping my feet without meaning to. The interplay between the instruments is so smooth, it’s like watching old friends finish each other's sentences. This tune isn’t just music; it’s an experience. By the end, you’ll be grinning ear to ear, wondering why you ever stopped dancing in the first place.
What gets me about this album is how timeless it feels. Even though it came out way back in ’59, it doesn’t sound dated at all. Maybe it’s because jazz always finds a way to stay fresh, or maybe it’s just that The Mastersounds were really onto something. Either way, listening to this record feels like reconnecting with an old friend who never fails to make you smile.
Here’s the thing, though—jazz albums like this don’t come around often anymore. In today’s world of auto-tune and overproduced beats, hearing something so raw and genuine feels rare. And honestly, that makes me kinda sad. But hey, maybe we need albums like Shall We Dance / Getting To Know You now more than ever. So grab a copy (or stream it, whatever), pour yourself a drink, and let these tunes take you somewhere better—even if only for half an hour.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: If aliens ever land and ask us to explain human emotion through music, I’d hand them this album. No question.
