Eddie Costa • Art Farmer - In Their Own Sweet Way

The word "phenomenon" as outlined in the dictionary, pertains to an exceptional person, things or occurrence, and is frequently used in a banal attempt to give class or distinction to an otherwise colorless performer. Generally, the music trade is apathetic to such inaccurate semantics, but once in a while they solemnly nod in agreement that some newcomer is fully deserving of such accolades. Eddie Costa who recently captured the Down Beat international jazz critics’ poll on both vibes and piano, fits this select category. 

Eddie incorporated his own writing and playing skill with one of the country’s leading jazz talents, trumpeter Art Farmer, who has taken the jazz world by storm as a logical successor to the mantle of Miles Davis with his inspirational attack and conception. Altoist Phil Woods was a featured member of Dizzy Gillespie’s "State Department" band, and displays virility on his instrument that has seldom been heard in the modern idiom. Bassist Teddy Kotick is an extraordinary rhythm man who has been in the employ of some of the greatest names in the trade. Likewise, drummer Paul Motian who, with his infallible time sense, has become one of the most frequently used drummers on the East Coast. Collectively, this is a superior quintet. 

Four originals and three standards comprise the material heard in this set with chart contributions by Costa, Farmer and Woods. The fact that each writer had prior knowledge of the temperament and capabilities of his fellow tradesmen permitted them a wider experimental scope and produced some refreshing ideas. In sum, this highly exciting session. *Liner notes*

Eddie Costa made only a few dates as a leader prior to his sudden death as a result of an automobile accident at the age of 31; this 1957 session is the best of them. Alternating between piano and vibes, Costa leads a quintet that includes Phil Woods, Art Farmer, Teddy Kotick, and Paul Motian, featuring enjoyable interpretations of "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" and Dave Brubeck's still fairly new "In Your Own Sweet Way", the latter of which focuses on Costa's vibes and Farmer's muted trumpet, with Woods switching to the piano. Each of the originals by Costa, Woods, and Farmer is stimulating, although they have undeservedly languished in obscurity. *Ken Dryden*

An extremely great session from Eddie Costa and Art Farmer – arguably more so, because the cover and label make you think it's going to be a cheap knockoff! In what is an odd meeting of players, especially for the label, Eddie's piano and vibes meet up with Art's trumpet, the alto of Phil Woods, bass of Teddy Kotick, and drums of Paul Motian – all of whom work together with the fluidity and soulfulness of some of the best Prestige sessions of the time. The horn work is tremendous – and it's hard to remember Woods sounding this great on other albums of the time, really cutting an edge next to Farmer's trumpet – which also has an incredible tone for the album, right up there with his Farmer's Market record. Titles include "Big Ben", "Blues Plus Eight", "Stretch In 'F'", and "Get Out Of The Road".  *dustygroove.com*

Side 1

1 - Get Out Of The Road

(Phil Woods)

2 - In Your Own Sweet Way

(Dave Brubeck)

3 - Big Ben

(Phil Woods)

Side 2

4 - Nature Boy

(Eden Ahbez)

5 - Blues Plus Eight

(Eddie Costa)

6 - I Didn't Know What Times It Was

(Hart, Rodgers)

7 - Stretch In "F"

(Art Farmer)

Eddie Costa (piano [#1, #3, #4, #5, #7], vibes [#2, #6]), Art Farmer (trumpet), Phil Woods (alto sax [#1, #3, #4, #5, #7], piano [#2, #6]), Teddy Kotick (bass), Paul Motian (drums).

Recorded in New York City, July 13, 1957.