Jazz / Bop, Cool
Tal Farlow - Guitar
Barry Galbraith - Guitar
Benny Powell - Trombone
Bill Perkins - Sax (Tenor)
Bill Takas - Bass
Bob Enevoldsen - Vocals, Trombone
Bobby Jaspar - Flute, Sax (Tenor)
Charlie Fowlkes - Baritone
Chico Hamilton - Drums
Chuck Stewart - Photography
Claude Williamson - Piano
Dana Axelrod - Author
Dick Hyman Piano
Eddie Costa Piano
Ellen Fitton Tape Transfer
Francis Wolff Photography
Frank Wess Flute, Sax (Tenor), Sax (Alto)
Gerald Wiggins Piano
Hank Jones Piano
Howard Alden Liner Notes
Jimmy Bruno Author
Jimmy Campbell Drums
Jimmy Wyble Author
Joe Benjamin Bass
Joe Morello Drums
John Minor Photography
Knobby Totah Bass
Larance Marable Drums
Malcolm Addey Mastering
Michael Cuscuna Producer
Milt Hinton Bass
Monty Budwig Bass
Norman Granz Original Session Producer
Oscar Pettiford Bass, Cello
Osie Johnson Drums
Red Mitchell Bass
Red Norvo Vibraphone
Richard Mantel Design Direction
Scott Wenzel Producer
Stan Levey Drums
Val Valentin Original Session Producer
Vinnie Burke Bass
Wendell Marshall Bass
Tal Farlow, was an innovative self-taught jazz guitarist who influenced generations of guitarists following in his footsteps. Although some of his peak years as a recording artist occurred during his association with Verve between 1954 and 1959, relatively few of the tracks were available for decades until the release of this comprehensive Mosaic box set. The music is consistently brilliant, as the leader's solos seem to evolve effortlessly, often finding fresh ground in the many standards and classic jazz compositions performed in this set. Aside from the three opening tracks from Farlow's days as a member of vibraphonist Red Norvo's trio, the guitarist is the leader. His meeting with fellow guitarist Barry Galbraith (with bassist Oscar Pettiford and a surprisingly restrained Joe Morello on drums) is highlighted by his intricate original "Gibson Boy." The sessions with pianist Gerry Wiggins, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Chico Hamilton focus primarily on standards, though "And She Remembers Me" is an obvious reworking of "I'll Remember April"; the rapid-fire take of "Cherokee" takes top honors. Two separate dates with pianist Claude Williamson and bassist Red Mitchell (one which adds drummer Stan Levey) stick exclusively to standards, with plenty of lively interplay. Two sessions with West Coast stylists including valve trombonist Bob Enevoldsen, tenor saxophonist Bill Perkins, and baritone saxophonist Bob Gordon complement Farlow's sound very well. It is surprising that producer Norman Granz did not initially release a unique date with Oscar Pettiford (on cello) as a second front-line instrument, with the outstanding rhythm section of Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Louie Bellson. Highlights from this meeting include the cellist's "Swingin' Till the Girls Come Home," "Jordu," and two takes of "Bernie's Tune." A regular working trio led by Farlow with pianist Eddie Costa (who died far too young following a car wreck in 1962) and bassist Vinnie Burke produced three separate albums (with Knobby Totah or Bill Takas taking Burke's place on the final session). The chemistry between Farlow and Costa is readily apparent. Another musician who died far too young, Belgian flutist and tenor saxophonist Bobby Jaspar, joined the guitarist, bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Osie Johnson for three numbers featuring Farlow on an acoustic instrument for the first time, producing the kind of jazz that only true aficionados can appreciate. A larger group with saxophonist and flutist Frank Wess, trombonist Benny Powell, pianist Dick Hyman, and baritone saxophonist Charles Fowlkes delves into the music of Harold Arlen, including several long overlooked songs composed for the musical Saratoga along with some of his best-known works, though at times their unfamiliarity with some of the tunes and each other is apparent. The detailed booklet contains many rare photos of Farlow and the men who worked with him, along with an informative analysis by fellow guitarist Howard Alden. This limited-edition collection should be on every jazz guitar fan's wish list. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Tal Farlow
Active Decades: '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s
Born: Jun 07, 1921 in Greensboro, NC
Died: Jul 24, 1998 in New York, NY
Genre: Jazz
Styles: Bop, Cool, Mainstream Jazz
Nearly as famous for his reluctance to play as for his outstanding abilities, guitarist Tal Farlow did not take up the instrument until he was already 21, but within a year was playing professionally and in 1948 was with Marjorie Hyams' band. While with the Red Norvo Trio (which originally included Charles Mingus) from 1949-1953, Farlow became famous in the jazz world. His huge hands and ability to play rapid yet light lines made him one of the top guitarists of the era. After six months with Artie Shaw's Gramercy Five in 1953, Farlow put together his own group, which for a time included pianist Eddie Costa. Late in 1958, Farlow settled on the East Coast, became a sign painter, and just played locally. He only made one record as a leader during 1960-1975, but emerged a bit more often during 1976-1984, recording for Concord fairly regularly before largely disappearing again. Profiled in the definitive documentary Talmage Farlow, the guitarist can be heard on his own records for Blue Note (1954), Verve, Prestige (1969), and Concord. He died of cancer July 25, 1998, at age 77.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
