Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 05/13/2008
This
Gambit CD compilation combines the complete contents of two long unavailable records that
Art Farmer made for
United Artists. The first seven tracks come from
Brass Shout, a very enjoyable collaboration with his
Jazztet partner
Benny Golson, who also wrote all of the arrangements for this date. The all-star cast of sidemen include trombonists
Curtis Fuller and
Jimmy Cleveland, plus trumpeters
Lee Morgan and
Ernie Royal.
Golson's own
"Five Spot After Dark" is an obvious highlight, as are his treatments of
"Nica's Dream" and
"Moanin'." Farmer, who had not yet made the switch from trumpet to flugelhorn, is in top form throughout the date. Unfortunately,
The Aztec Suite hasn't aged as well. Half of the original album was devoted to the extended title cut, composed by
Chico O'Farrill and in spite of the laudatory liner notes, this piece has not stood the test of time. Production problems plague the remaining tracks, with excessive
Latin percussion and unexpected fades, along with insufficient space for
Farmer to solo. While this latter session is disappointing, the chance for
Art Farmer fans to pick up
Brass Shout along with
The Aztec Suite for one price will likely prove irresistible.
~Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
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