>Getz played like an angel, but overall, he was not a nice man. You remember the 'Girl From Ipanima'? He apparently called the producers after the song became a hit, to try to make sure Astrid Gilberto received no royalties for the song (she wasn't a real professional). He had a singular lack of compassion once he got other people (including his wife) addicted to heroin.
>
>Wow, I remember my uncle telling me about that.
>
>It is so sad that the men who produced such incredible music were either bastards or drug addicts or both. When I watched the movie about Ray Charles, it was hard for me to watch some of the scenes. Reading about some of the things Charlie Parker did to women is horrible.
>
>The more recent "young lions" seem to be a bit more well-behaved, but let's face it, haven't exactly produced many new standards. :(
>

Sometime you have to give a listen to James Carter's version of "Strange Fruit" on his album "Gardenias for Lady Day". It's fascinating, horrifying and mesmerising all at the same time. Remarkable piece. Maybe not to your taste; in fact not really to mine, but this one time, the style really fits and does the subject matter justice.

>Except for Pat Metheny - I'm not aware of any problems he's ever had with drugs or alcohol - and the man is a modern-day Wes Montgomery (or even beyond)

Ever listen to Lenny Breau? Now there was a screwed up genius if there ever was one.