Webster's Dictionary would define the meaning of
Art Farmer as "a cool, swinging, mainstream, jazz trumpeter and bandleader," but that only partially describes what
Farmer does on this CD. His approach is a democratic one -- solos to his bandmates, doled out liberally, are concise. Melodic intent is utmost in his mind, and swinging is a prerequisite, not a duty. Trombonist
Slide Hampton is an equal partner during the entire set, whether as an ensemble player, soloist, composer, or arranger, and pianist
Geoff Keezer kicks everything up a notch, especially when he is featured. Saxophonist
Ron Blake, bassist
Kenny Davis, and drummer
Carl Allen give great support without flash. The two most up-tempo numbers are the frantic "Johnny One Note," (
Keezer is livid with passion in modal and latin frames), and the
Hampton-penned bopper "Lift Your Spirit High," which typifies this set, ostensibly, as a jam session. Head follows a succession of solos consistently throughout the seven selections. A slight similarity to "Daahoud" informs the melody of
Hampton's "On the Plane," with everybody soloing. A relaxed and reserved swing typical of
Farmer identifies "Just the Way You Look Tonight," while a loping melody leads to solos ad hoc in extensia for the ten-and-a-half-minute
Keezer composition, "Free Verse," which finds
Blake switching from his usually lurid, sweet tenor, to a more edgy soprano saxophone. There's a certain urgency to
Benny Golson's ballad "One Day Forever," and this is where
Farmer shines -- his round, distinct trumpet sounds clear as a bell, against
Keezer's piano, nodding in approval. The most singing melody has
Farmer and
Hampton in melodic unison for
Fritz Pauer's "Home," an easy, bluesy, swinger. This is jazz that is relatively cliché and quote-free; not groundbreaking, but a consistent, professional effort. The release is a testimony to
Farmer's endurance as one of the truly great jazz musicians of the late 1900s. Recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos