FARLOW, TAL a sign of the times UCCO-90307
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Artist = FARLOW, TAL
Title = a sign of the times
Label = CONCORD
Catalog# = UCCO-90307
Barcode = 4988005839053
Release = JAPAN
Year = 2014
RPM =
Disc Size = 5"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
8trk, remastered, ray brown, hank jones
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The Return of “The Octopus”: Tal Farlow’s “A Sign of the Times”
In the pantheon of jazz guitar legends, Tal Farlow stands out as a true original. Nicknamed “The Octopus” for his large hands and incredible reach on the fretboard, he possessed a stunning technique characterized by blazing speed, harmonic sophistication, and a seemingly effortless swing. After stepping away from the full-time music scene for a period, he made a welcome return with the 1977 album, “A Sign of the Times.” We are looking at a Japanese CD reissue of this fantastic session, with the catalog number UCCO-90307.
“A Sign of the Times” finds the master guitarist in peak form, demonstrating that his time away had done nothing to diminish his incredible abilities. The album features Farlow in his preferred small group setting, typically a trio, allowing ample space for his intricate lines and rich chordal work to shine. This format highlights the intimate, conversational quality of his playing.
The music is pure, swinging, mainstream jazz, likely focusing on standards from the Great American Songbook, which were always Farlow’s favorite vehicles for improvisation. Listeners can expect to hear his trademark lightning-fast single-note runs, his innovative chord voicings, and his impeccable sense of time. Yet, despite the virtuosity, Farlow’s playing always retained an understated elegance and a deep connection to the melody.
This Japanese CD reissue is an excellent way to appreciate the clarity and nuance of Farlow’s playing. For any fan of bebop, cool jazz, and the art of jazz guitar at its highest level, “A Sign of the Times” is an essential recording from a true giant of the instrument. You can find this album on our website.