Something to Live for: The Music of Billy Strayhorn

• Artist: Art Farmer
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1987
• Total Time: 38:42
• Type: Instrumental
• Genre: Jazz

Review

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, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Isfahan	Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, T. Cohan	Art Farmer	(7:25)
Blood Count	Billy Strayhorn	Art Farmer	(6:08)
Johnny Come Lately	Billy Strayhorn	Art Farmer	(5:39)
Something to Live For	Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn	Art Farmer	(6:07)
Upper Manhattan Medical Group	Billy Strayhorn	Art Farmer	(7:07)
Rain Check	Billy Strayhorn	Art Farmer	(6:44)
Day Dream [*]	Duke Ellington, John Latouche, Billy Strayhorn	Art Farmer	(5:12)

Credits

Rufus Reid (Bass), John Garcia Gensel (Liner Notes), Danny Kopelson (Editing), James "Diamond" Williams (?), Phil Carroll (Art Direction), James Williams (Piano), George Horn (Mastering), Art Farmer (Flugelhorn), Scott Noll (Engineer), Helen Keane (Producer), Marvin "Smitty" Smith (?), Danny Kopelson (Remixing), Clifford Jordan (Sax (Tenor)), James Williams (?), Danny Kopelson (Editing Engineer), Nancy Ellison (Photography), Marvin "Smitty" Smith (Drums)