This post is by Scott and Dan
Recorded on April 03 - 04, 1989
Our post for Art Farmer's Blame It on My Youth refers to Farmer's string of 1980s albums, including Ph.D. This superb session showcases the composing talent of pianist James Williams, who wrote the three most interesting pieces on the album. Overall, the mood is mellow without becoming bland. There is one bebop blowing tune, "Blue Wail," and three nice ballads. The whole album is delivered with class and sophistication - a worthy contender for Farmer's best of the decade.
Kenny Burrell joins the quintet and contributes solid solos on the title track, "Blue Wail," and Williams' "Rise to the Occasion." The sextet is reduced to a quartet for the closing "Ballade Art," penned by Jordan to honor the leader. It's Farmer in all of his customary elegance.
One of the best of the cuts is Thad Jones' "Summary," on which Farmer turns a few simple notes into a profoundly touching statement. The following solos by Jordan and Farmer are both excellent - economic and free of "filler."
The digital recording transfers to vinyl beautifully. Farmer's flugelhorn never sounds too brassy or harsh.
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