JAZZY REVIEWS: Brass Shout - Art Farmer

Jazz trumpeter Art Farmer recorded this United Artists album in late 1958. It was the first time he was paired with a larger group, and I wish there was more. Farmer, equipped with a full brass ensemble behind him blew his usual reserved trumpet solos but, as always, melodically and tastefully. The album was conceived and directed by the great Benny Golson and the band is astounding to say the least. With Lee Morgan, Ernie Royal, Curtis Fuller, Jimmy Cleveland, Julius Watkins, Don Butterfield, Percy Heath, Philly Joe Jones, Wayne Andre and Elvin Jones, it is a very well-balanced brass ensemble and clean rhythm section. The inclusion of several brass instruments including trumpets, French horns, trombones and even a tuba make for a relaxed sound that never screams at you.

The group winds its way through eight selections that are a mix of standards and well-known jazz compositions. Leading side one is the Horace Silver tune, “Nica’s Dream” in a tempo reminiscent of the original. Then the Johnny Mercer standard “Autumn Leaves” is taken at a relaxed stride with plenty of room for several solos, including Farmer blowing a nice, muted horn. Closing this side is Bobby Timmons masterpiece, “Moanin’” which every cat on the date got a few bars to show off their improvisation. The B side opens with a standard well known to Count Basie fans, “April in Paris”. The highlight, for me is track two, Benny Golson’s, “Five Spot After Dark”. This title refers to the famous jazz club in New York City and is a light swinger all around. After a dreamy version of “Stella by Starlight”, the set is complete with another Golson original “Minor Vamp”.

The recording is crisp and well captured, something that can be a challenge with so much brass and no reeds to balance out the tonal structure. United Artists pulled it off very well. This album was released in both mono and stereo, then re-released again in 1965 with a different cover. The only CD release is a very hard to find 2010 Japanese pressing. Both vinyl versions do appear on eBay and Discogs often.

Performance 9 out of 10-Smooth and nicely balanced interplay between Farmer and all his buddies, leaves plenty of room for tasteful solos by each member with Farmer never hogging the spotlight.

Recording 9 out of 10- As would be expected for a major player in the motion picture industry, United Artists engineers did not fail. Sound is excellent and very smooth all around.

Selections 10 out of 10- With most tracks hovering in the four-to-five-minute timeframe, there is a superb balance of standards and some exemplary originals. The whole record is very pleasant listening!