The Art Farmer Quintet

by Scott Yanow During 1955, trumpeter Art Farmer had a short-lived quintet with altoist Gigi Gryce, but because neither of the co-leaders were big names at the time, the band did not last long. Fortunately, they did record two albums of material, of which this CD reissue (originally known as Evening in Casablanca) was the second. In addition to Farmer and Gryce, the unit includes pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Addison Farmer, and drummer Philly Joe Jones. With the exception of Duke Jordan's "Forecast," the cool-toned hard bop date consists entirely of Gryce compositions, of which "Evening in Casablanca" and "Nice's Tempo" are best known. Excellent music well deserving a close listen.