Art Farmer Quartet / Live at the Half Note

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

After the Jazztet that he co-led with tenor-saxophonist Benny Golson broke up, flugelhornist Art Farmer led a pianoless quartet during 1963-64 with guitarist Jim Hall. For this reissue in the Atlantic Jazzlore series, Farmer and Hall are joined by bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Walter Perkins. Their repertoire is a bit surprising since four of the five songs were veteran swing standards; all but Miles Davis's obscure "Swing Spring." Hall (who has "I'm Gettin' Sentimental over You" as his feature) was a perfect musical partner for Farmer since both musicians have mellow sounds and thoughtful improvising styles that are more complex than expected. This 1987 reissue is well worth picking up. The group only lasted long enough to make three records, all of which are out-of-print.

Live at the Half-Note is an album by Art Farmer's Quartet featuring guitarist Jim Hallrecorded in 1963 at the Half Note Club and released on the Atlantic label.^[1]

Track listing 

1. "Stompin' at the Savoy" (Benny Goodman, Andy Razaf, Edgar Sampson, Chick Webb) - 12:27
2. "Swing Spring" (Miles Davis) - 5:51
3. "What's New?" (Johnny Burke, Bob Haggart) - 4:24
4. "I Want to Be Happy" (Irving Caesar, Vincent Youmans) - 9:41
5. "I'm Gettin' Sentimental Over You" (George Bassman, Ned Washington) - 5:03

Personnel 

• Art Farmer - flugelhorn
• Jim Hall - guitar
• Steve Swallow - bass
• Walter Perkins - drums

Read more