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The Jazztet At Birdhouse ~ The Jazztet  | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s subject is a recent addition to my library by The Jazztet. The group was co-founded by Art Farmer and Benny Golson in 1959. The Jazztet At Birdhouse (Argo LP 688/LPS 688) is a 1961 live release documenting the sextet’s performance at the Chicago jazz club. It was their first live album and their fourth as an ensemble. The first three are Meet The Jazztet (1960), Big City Sounds, and The Jazztet and John Lewis (1961). The personnel is Art Farmer on flugelhorn (tracks: A3, B2), trumpet (A1, A2, B1 to B3), Thomas McIntosh on trombone, Benny Golson on tenor sax, Cedar Walton on piano, Thomas Williams on bass, and Albert Heath on drums. My copy is the 1975 Japanese Stereo Reissue (Cadet MJ-1011) by Victor Musical Industries.

Side One opens with Junction by Benny Golson, beginning leisurely with the sextet’s collective melody. The saxophonist begins the first reading comfortably, then gradually builds to an aggressive conclusion. Art takes over and is equally effective in the second statement, with the front line complimenting him ahead of the theme’s restatement and finale. The ensemble presses the pedal to the floor in the uptempo cooker, Farmer’s Market. They quickly begin the melody in unison, stepping aside for Benny, who blows fire in the opening solo. Art swings rapidly into the second reading, then Albert illustrates his energetic brushwork briefly. Cedar vigorously delivers the song’s final solo before the sextet reconvenes to end the song abruptly.

Art puts the flugelhorn to work on the jazz standard, Darn That Dream, by Jimmy Van Heusen and Eddie De Lange. He makes the song his own with a tender rendition of the theme. As the song’s only soloist, he gives an elegant interpretation supported gently by the front line preceding a peaceful finale. The pace picks up again to start Side Two with Shutterbug by J.J. Johnson. The song flies fast from the opening notes of the sextet’s vigorous melody. Art’s back on trumpet for the opening solo, and he’s going at breakneck speed. Benny follows him furiously in the second interpretation, then Albert applies the finishing touches with enthusiastically agile brushwork leading to an exuberant ending.

Art returns to the flugelhorn for a gorgeous rendition of ‘Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk, Bernie Hanighen, and Cootie Williams. The jazz standard receives a regal treatment beginning with the flugelhorn leading the front line through the melody. Benny joins in briefly; then, the ensemble sets the scene for Golson to give a hauntingly beautiful statement. Art is up next and switches to the trumpet for a tender performance. Cedar indulges in a bit of nostalgia in the closer leading to the climax. Thomas McIntosh’s November Afternoon starts with the sextet’s lively theme. Art takes the lead with a vibrant opening statement; then, Tom cooks briefly on his only interpretation. Benny gets the spotlight last with an exceptionally satisfying reading preceding the group’s exit.

Kay Norton, the group’s manager, produced The Jazztet at Birdhouse, and Ron Malo was behind the dials of the recording. This album highlights Benny Golson’s capabilities as an arranger; he arranged all the tunes except November Afternoon, which was arranged by Thomas McIntosh. The sound quality is good for the period, and the band’s exhilarating energy comes through on every track. The Jazztet at Birdhouse is a lesser-known album in their discography, but an overlooked gem deserving broader recognition and should be considered the next time you’re vinyl shopping. It should also be a welcome addition to any jazz library, especially if you enjoy excellent Hard-Bop or are an Art Farmer and Benny Golson fan!

~ Big City Sounds (Argo LP 672/LPS 672), Meet The Jazztet (Argo LP 664/LPS 664), The Jazztet and John Lewis (Argo LP 684/LPS 684) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Darn That Dream, ‘Round Midnight – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2023 by Edward Thomas Carter

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