Art Farmer's "Big Blues," released on January 1, 1979, under Columbia/Legacy, is a captivating journey through the realms of hard bop, jazz, cool jazz, and bebop. This concise yet impactful album spans just 34 minutes, featuring four tracks that showcase Farmer's mastery of the trumpet and flugelhorn. The album opens with "Whisper Not," a classic jazz standard, followed by the tender ballad "A Child Is Born." The title track, "Big Blues," delves into the soulful depths of the blues, while "Pavane for a Dead Princess" offers a poignant and reflective closer. Farmer's impeccable tone, phrasing, and improvisational skills shine throughout, making "Big Blues" a standout in his discography and a delight for jazz enthusiasts.
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