Art Farmer was born Arthur Stewart Farmer on August 21, 1928, along with his twin brother Addison, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona when Art was four years old. Art played the piano and violin in elementary school and by the age of 15 he was playing trumpet.At the age of 16, Art and his brother moved to Los Angeles and during the late 1940's performed with the bands of Johnny Otis and Jay McShann among others. Art joined Lionel Hampton in 1952 and toured Europe.
After leaving Hampton's band, Art settled in New York City. In 1953 he recorded his first album as a leader and during the mid 1950's performed with Art Blakey, Horace Silver and Gerry Mulligan. It was in 1959 that Art formed the "Jazztet" along with saxophonist Benny Golson. The "Jazztet" lasted till 1962 and it was during this period that Art started playing Flugelhorn.
In 1968 Art moved to Vienna where he joined the Austrian Radio Orchestra. He continued to tour around the U.S. and in 1982 Art and Benny Golson re-formed the "Jazztet." This lasted until the late 1980's.
Art maintained a residence in Manhattan as well as Vienna and during his late career he continued to perform with quartets and quintets. Art Farmer died October 4, 1999 in NYC.
This afternoon I listened to "Blame It On My Youth" on the Contemporary label. It was recorded and released in 1988. The personnel include Art Farmer on flugelhorn, Clifford Jordan on tenor saxophone, James Williams on piano, Rufus Reid on bass and Victor Lewis on drums.The tunes include "Blame It on My Youth," "Fairy Tale Countryside," "The Smile of the Snake," "Third Avenue," "Summer Serenade," Progress Report," and "I'll Be Around."
Art Farmer is in top form and this recording was very enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Here's a video of Art and his quintet playing "Summer Serenade."
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