When ‘The Jazztet’ disbanded, flugelhorn virtuoso Art Farmer took the reins of a unique pianoless quartet, collaborating with guitarist Jim Hall from 1963 to 1964. Farmer believed that Hall could cover all necessary chords and counterpoints, allowing him to focus solely on his flugelhorn. Joined by bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Walter Perkins, this ensemble made their mark at New York’s iconic Half Note jazz club, which served as the backdrop for their most memorable recordings.
This album features a surprising repertoire from their December 1963 session, including five standard swing tunes and the lesser-known ‘Swing Spring’ by Miles Davis. Hall’s special appearance on ‘I’m Getting Sentimental Over You’ showcased their shared gentle improvisational style, resulting in a more intricate performance than one might expect. Sadly, out of the 22 tracks recorded, only these five have survived due to a fire. The group’s brief existence led to just three LP releases, making this vinyl a significant addition to any jazz collection.
Ryan Roberson (verified owner) –
Listening to Art Farmer’s Live At The Half-Note is a transformative experience! The flugelhorn shines with clarity and emotion. Highly recommend for jazz lovers.
Dylan Townsend (verified owner) –
Absolutely love this album! Art Farmer’s unique style on the flugelhorn brings a fresh take on classic standards. One of the top jazz albums to buy online.
Catherine Zimmerman (verified owner) –
A must-have for any jazz collection! The live recordings truly capture the essence of jazz. Art Farmer really knows how to connect with his audience.