This very logical set is a real gem. The lyrical flügelhornist
Art Farmer and his quintet (which consists of tenor saxophonist
Clifford Jordan, pianist
James Williams, bassist
Rufus Reid, and drummer
Marvin "Smitty" Smith) interpret seven of Billy Strayhorn's compositions. Highlights include "Isfahan," "Johnny Come Lately," "Raincheck," and the title cut.
Farmer brings the right combination of sensitivity, swing, respect for the melody, and creativity to these renditions and the results are quite memorable. ~ Scott Yanow