By Bob Powers
With Art Farmer's death a few months ago, the jazz world lost another one of its finest. Farmers work on trumpet and flugelhorn could have been called the definitive sound in the cool jazz community. Never one to overwhelm an audience with a surfeit of notes, Farmer displayed decorum and exquisite taste in almost everything he did on stage.
An example of Farmer's immense talent is provided in the View Video release of "Ron Carter & Art Farmer: Live at Sweet Basil with Billy Higgins and Cedar Walton" (certainly one of the longest titles you'll encounter). In 1990, the quartet played together for the first time in public as the feature act at New York Citys cozy jazz haven Sweet Basil. In this VHS tape directed by Electra Brown, the four musicians are in fabulous fettle.
Farmer played with a dignity yet get-into-your-bones style that made his work a splendid demonstration of taste and sound. Every note he played danced across a listeners ear, proving that less is more in every respect. Farmer would stand relaxed while he played as one of the masters.
The most distinctive thing about this group was their relaxed demeanor and their ability to swing hard, but with an almost dainty air. Ron Carter, one of the stars of the bass, never intrudes during the ensemble work, but can lay down solos that demonstrate his facility with tempo and feeling.
Cedar Walton certainly would make the short list of most avid jazz piano devotees. He seldom makes a big fuss, but his powerful chords laid down by all ten fingers can gain the attention of everyone in the room. No showoff, Walton doesnt call for attention unless its necessary.
Billy Higgins, forever smiling, looks as if hes won the lottery by getting to work beside Farmer, Carter and Walton. A steady force, Higgins keeps the others marching in near-perfect tempos. His solo work is a drummers dream: solid, fancy, but not too blustery.
Little attention is paid to anything but the music in this program. The tape opens with a few helicopter shots of a New York City skyline at night, then it photographs the arrival of the musicians for the gig. Between tunes there may be a rehearsal shot or two as the musicians make commentary about what theyre going to play for the date. These moments provide little information or inside stories. They rather serve as a way to break up the monotony of the dark night spot.
The program consists of originals by each of the performers. Carter's catchy "Its About Time," opens and closes the show. Farmer is impressive in his composition, "Arts Song." Walton contributes a nice number called "When Love Is New." Carter's offering, "A Theme in 3/4" combines a touch of humor with a smidgen of pretty melody. The bassist's solo edges toward the incredible.
Drummer Higgins contributes "Shortcomings," which certainly doesnt refer to the quality of the music. His solo shows why he smiles so often: he is having a great time. Finally, the group performs a beautiful version of the Rodgers and Hart ballad, "My Funny Valentine." Its a doozy.
