Saxophonist Stan Getz and guitarist, singer and composer Joao Gilberto kick-started a whole new genre of bossa nova jazz with their 1964 album, Getz/Gilberto.

So, this album of previously unreleased live tracks - recorded about 12 years after their ground-breaking collaboration at their reunion stint in San Francisco's jazz club Keystone Korner - is a must-have for bossa fans.

Both musicians, accompanied by Getz's rhythm section comprising bassist Clint Houston, drummer Billy Hart and pianist Joanne Brackeen, are closely miked enough to capture every sotto voce vocal whisper and slinky saxophone note.

It is almost as if you were sitting at the feet of these two master musicians.

Despite the decade-long gap, it sounds like the duo have only just left the recording studio together, that magical chemistry of Getz's fat tones contrasting with, and serving as, a pillowy base for Gilberto's signature syncopated plucking and nasal, vibrato-free singing.

While the genre is the bossa nova they helped define, the programme is more unexpected, plumbing a different discography from their landmark album.

There is no The Girl From Ipanema, no Corcovado, but there are other Antonio Jobim compositions and the tenor of the album is that unmistakable combination of easy intimacy and jazzy swing that characterised Getz/Gilberto.

The lightly chirpy beats of Samba Da Minha Terra and Chega De Saudade provide dancey contrasts to the tenderly cooed ballads E Preciso Perdoar and Rosa Morena.

Hardcore fans may want to shell out for the limited-edition 12-inch vinyl set, priced at US$24.98 (S$35) at www.resonancerecords.org.