Art Farmer: The Complete Remastered Recordings On Black Saint & Soul Note

Rating: ★★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Andrew Hill
Rufus Reid (b)
Alan Silva (b)
Clifford Jordan (ts)
Freddie Waits (d)
Ben Riley (d)

Label:

Cam BXS

February/2016

Catalogue Number:

1039

RecordDate:

1980-87

In an illustrious recording career that spanned 50 years (1948-98), Art Farmer seldom failed to impress. Whereas his contemporaries were obsessed with speed, having heard Freddie Webster, Farmer decided to concentrated on perfecting his already warm and melodic sound which would became even more personalised when switching to flugelhorn in the early 1960s. From 1966, Farmer divided his time between New York and Vienna. So high was his profile in Europe that from 1981 until 1987 he recorded five albums for Black Saint/Soul Note (including one with the reassembled Jazztet) plus a duo with pianist Enrico Pieranunzi. Be it retreading bebop classics ‘Ah-leu-cha’, ‘Blue ‘n’ Boogie’, ‘Au Privave’, ‘Barbados’ and his own ‘Farmer's Market’ or quality standards that include ‘Manhattan’ and ‘Have You Met Miss Jones?’ Art Farmer steps up to the plate, relaxed but in total command of both his technique and emotions. Very much his own man it was a subtle approach that often set him apart and above his closest, much flashier rivals. Despite his abilities, it's possible that this remarkable musician didn't always receive the plaudits he deserved.

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