Research Catalog

Oral history interview with Art Farmer.

Title
Oral history interview with Art Farmer.
Publication
New York : Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 1993.

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Details

Additional Authors
  • Farmer, Art
  • Owens, Jimmy, 1943-
  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Louis Armstrong Jazz Oral History Project.
Description
2 videodiscs (125 min.) : sound, color; 4 3/4 in.
Summary
The oral history interview with Art Farmer goes directly into Farmer's career. Farmer talks about relocating to Vienna. The Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinations, the ensuing political climate, coupled with a low domestic jazz scene, prompted the 1968 move. While there, he worked with the Austrian Radio Orchestra and performed independently throughout Europe. He customized his music in accordance with public preferences, but, as commercial success increased, the quality of the music decreased. Became involved with music education in Graz and Linz (the "Hochschulen" in these cities had a jazz section). Backtracks to earliest musical experiences. Began studying piano at 6. Soon thereafter he was given a violin, became a member of a local marching band, and, with twin brother Addison, played the horn. True interest in music emerged with the bass, then trumpet. Began studying privately at Julliard. Focused on technique: rather than his mouth, concentrated on using stomach muscles. Toured the South and Southwest; Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Domino and Miles Davis were the greatest influences. Moved to LA and worked with Benny Carter, Johnny Otis, Roy Porter, Teddy Edwards (1945). To supplement income worked as an X-ray clerk in LA County Hospital. Did a TV series with Gerald Wilson and met a number of jazz greats: Quincy Jones, Buster Cooper, Clifford Brown. For learning purposes, transcribed Fats and Miles; Dizzy was difficult to transcribe. Toured with Lionel Hampton and recorded with Brown (1952-1953). Settled in NYC and formed a band with Gigi Gryce (1953). Single Farmer's market (1956/Addison Farmer, bass) led to a record deal. Recorded for Prestige with Brown and Lester Young; collaborated with Clifford Jordan (who composed Ballad art for him) and George Russell (RCA/Victor jazz workshop series). Russell taught Art how to run through chords (rather than just playing them). Subsequent use of notation (C instead of B flat) marked a departure from diatonic composition. Formed Sextet with Benny Golson (Jazztet) (1959-1962). When Jazztet disbanded, released 10 albums as leader. Continued practicing. Continued to play piano; this was Dizzy's influence: Dizzy claimed that all players must play piano. Switched from playing trumpet to fluegelhorn; trumpet was now mostly limited to big-band section work. Discusses melody-based and harmony-based improvisation. Duke Ellington and John Coltrane revolutionized the former. Plans to continue working, assemble a reliable band, possibly return to the US. Concludes interview with discussion of Art (Argo), his favorite recording with the Quartet; mentions several singles: I'm a fool to want you, That old devil called love, Younger than springtime. Talks about the Quartet (Art Farmer/trumpet, Tommy Flanagan/piano, Albert Heath/drums, Tommy Williams/bass). Williams was great with melodic improvisation.
Subjects
Genre/Form
  • Interviews.
  • Oral histories.
Note
  • The Louis Armstrong Jazz Oral History Project was funded by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Inc.
Terms of Use (note)
  • Permission required to cite, quote and reproduce; contact repository for information.
Biography (note)
  • Art Farmer is a trumpet, fluegelhorn and piano player, composer and band leader. Farmer began playing piano at age 6, which eventually led to his playing the trumpet (with twin brother Addison) and studying at Juilliard. He has performed and recorded in California, New York City, relocated to Vienna and toured throughout Europe.
Linking Entry (note)
  • Forms part of: Louis Armstrong Jazz Oral History Project.
Call Number
Sc DVD-1064
OCLC
1122563465
Title
Oral history interview with Art Farmer.
Production
New York : Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 1993.
Country of Producing Entity
United States.
Type of Content
two-dimensional moving image
Type of Medium
video
Type of Carrier
videodisc
Digital File Characteristics
video file DVD
Performer
Interviewer, Jimmy Owens.
Event
Recorded August 13, 1993, at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Terms Of Use
Permission required to cite, quote and reproduce; contact repository for information.
Biography
Art Farmer is a trumpet, fluegelhorn and piano player, composer and band leader. Farmer began playing piano at age 6, which eventually led to his playing the trumpet (with twin brother Addison) and studying at Juilliard. He has performed and recorded in California, New York City, relocated to Vienna and toured throughout Europe.
Linking Entry
Forms part of: Louis Armstrong Jazz Oral History Project.
Connect to:
Request Access to Schomburg Moving Images and Recorded Sound
Added Author
Farmer, Art, interviewee.
Owens, Jimmy, 1943- interviewer.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Louis Armstrong Jazz Oral History Project.
Research Call Number
Sc DVD-1064
Sc Visual VRA-180 VHS
Sc Visual VRC-3 MII videotape
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