ARt FARMER - Yesterday's Thoughts (1976-2015) RM | East Wind Masters Collection 1000 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With Art Farmer's phenomenal output of recordings as a leader during his long career, it isn't surprising to run across obscure gems such as this pair of 1975 studio sessions recorded in New York for release in Japan by Eastwind. Joined by frequent collaborator Cedar Walton on piano, as well as bassist Sam Jones and drummer Billy Higgins, the mellow flugelhornist excels on the ballads that make up the majority of the album. "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" begins slowly, with the rhythm section slowly pushing the tempo, as if to push for an answer to the title of the song. "Namely You" is played as a brisk waltz, while the snappy approach to "Alone Together" finds the leader at the top of his game. A reworking of ex-partner Benny Golson's "Yesterday's Thoughts" is followed by the only up-tempo tune present, Walton's invigorating "Firm Roots." Both Jones and Higgins provide the solid support that they delivered on numerous dates throughout their respective careers. Don't expect to find this long-unavailable LP quickly or at a bargain price, but it is well worth the effort to acquire it. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? 9'52
Alan Bergman / Marilyn Bergman / Michel Legrand
2     How Insensitive 6'35
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
3     Namely You 5'58
Gene DePaul / Johnny Mercer
4     Alone Together 9'31
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
5     Yesterday's Thoughts 8'02
Benny Golson
6     Firm Roots 4'58
Cedar Walton
Credits :
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Billy Higgins
Flugelhorn – Art Farmer
Piano – Cedar Walton