Search - Art Farmer :: Modern Art

Don't Sell The Farm, Buy This!

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 07/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally released by United Artists, and reissued on CD by Blue Note/Capitol, "Modern Art" is one of the classic Art Farmer albums. It also is an early look at the Jazztet, as future partner Benny Golson joins him on this recording. But it is Bill Evans who often steals the show. With his precise and concise piano solos it's too bad he didn't end up holding down the bench for the Jazztet. While the album boasts one original composition each from Farmer and Golson, it's the standards that shine here, particularly "Darn That Dream" and "The Touch of Your Lips." This is an essential purchase."

Wonderful combination of talents

R. J. Marsella | California | 12/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Art Farmer Benny Golson and Bill Evans are just incredible together on this collection of originals and standards. Farmer and Golson went on to play together in the Jazztet but here the sound is a bit different primarily due to Evans remarkable piano playing. This is a truly fine CD and well worth checking out."

Great Farmer quintet album

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 02/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is top-of-the-line Art Farmer, one of his best albums ever. Recorded in 1958 for United Artists, everything clicks to perfection: the tune selection is an excellent mix of exciting originals and standards, the tempos are varied, and the playing by the quintet is brilliant. Everyone seems juiced to play. Particularly impressive is tenor man Benny Golson whose Coltrane hat is very much in evidence; the notes come pouring out of his horn on many of the tunes - especially noteworthy on THE TOUCH OF YOUR LIPS. He can be both powerful and pretty. Junior Mance's JUBILATION is churchy for sure, but not fire and brimstone: it's very mellow instead. Pianist Bill Evans plays well throughout, taking perhaps his best and most introspective solo on I LOVE YOU. Farmer is a delight, whether playing beautifully muted (LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE) or tempestuously afire (COLD BREEZE). This album will delight listeners no matter how many times it's heard."