Green with Envy
Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 03/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is a real shame that so many Original Jazz Classics CDs have been deleted in the past year, with "Bennie Green with Art Farmer" one of the numerous victims. This disc features the trombonist and trumpeter with a smoking rhythm section -- Cliff Smalls on piano (my first time hearing him and he's terrific!), Art's brother Addison on bass and the great Philly Joe Jones on drums. The album, recorded on April 13, 1956, is a first rate hard bop blowing session, as enjoyable as anything the Jazz Messengers did during this period. Snatch this one up before it's gets too rare (and expensive), or you'll be green with envy that you didn't get "Green with Farmer."
P.S. - I just noticed that this is my 1225th review and the album has a Christmas tree on the cover. How amusing!"