Tal Farlow: Autumn Leaves

TAL FARLOW
Autumn Leaves

Tal Farlow was a major influence on subsequent generations of young jazz guitarists, combining the virtuosity of bebop with the easy beat of swing. Concord Jazz founder Carl Jefferson managed to get Farlow into the studio in 1978 to record the album Tal Farlow '78 and again in 1985 for The Legendary Tal Farlow, both of which are included on this twofer reissue.

Accompanied by bassist Gary Mazzaroppi and drummer Tom Sayek, Tarlow '78 features two Farlow originals, "Mahoney's 11 Ohms" and "Gymkhana in Soho." Suffice it to say that listening to these two compositions is every bit as interesting as pondering their titles. The rest of the set is comprised of standards, and the trio dispenses with these in excellent form. Though Farlow was recording and playing live irregularly at the time of this recording, there is nothing about the album that would lead one to change the opinion that Tarlow was the worthy successor to Charlie Christian's legacy. "Here's That Rainy Day", "Autumn Leaves", "With the Wind and the Rain in Your Hair", "Perdido", and "Satin Doll" are all given thoroughly enjoyable treatments, as is the medley of "Ill Wind" and "Invitation" that rounds out the set.

The Legendary Tal Farlow featured on Disc Two finds Tal in the company of Sam Most (flute & tenor sax), Frank Strazzeri (piano), Bob Maize (bass) and Al "Tootie" Heath (drums). This group (minus Strazzeri) had toured Japan in 1984, and Carl Jefferson put them in the studio to record their excellent interplay. It's great to hear Farlow in a larger group with piano and a horn, because it gives him an opportunity to display his talents as a team player as well as a top-notch soloist. He provides just the right amount of support for Most's flute and tenor workouts, and he and Strazzeri are adept at staying out of each other's way.

The group gives excellent performances of "You Stepped Out of a Dream" and "I Got It Bad" (featuring Most on flute), "When Lights Are Low," "Who Cares," and "Prelude to a Kiss" (on which Most plays tenor), "When Your Lover Has Gone" (a trio), "I Can't Get Started" (a duet), and "Everything Happens to Me."

Anyone interested in Farlow's later performances couldn't do much better than to check out this great reissue of two dates featuring the legendary Tal Farlow.

<<Concord Reissue Page | CD Store