Killer Joe

Although the Jazztet was formed in 1959, trumpeter Art Farmer and tenor saxophonist Benny Golson had been interested in forming a band with each other for several years prior. Although the group saw frequent personnel shifts, the distinct musical personalities of its leaders gave their performances a sound unlike any other group in jazz at the time. Golson's brilliant arrangements were able to craft the auditory illusion of a much larger ensemble than the band's actual three horn frontline. Farmer's warm, glowing trumpet served as the perfect lead voice for these arrangements, both during ensemble passages and as a soloist. The Jazztet recorded six albums during its initial three year run (Farmer, Golson and original trombonist Curtis Fuller would reunite on and off under the Jazztet name in the 1980s and 90s). Despite covering an impressively diverse amount of musical territories (including a collaboration with Modern Jazz Quartet mastermind John Lewis), their 1960 debut album "Meet the Jazztet" has continued to remain their most endearing contribution. In addition to Farmer, Golson and Fuller, the recording featured a 19 year old McCoy Tyner on piano, Farmer's twin brother Addison on bass, and Lex Humphries on drums. "Killer Joe" became the Jazztet's signature song, and with its coolly swinging groove and incessantly catchy melody, it's not hard to see why. While the Jazztet may have had inconspicuous beginnings, their legacy as one of the finest bands of the hard bop era continues to stand tall to this day. Between Farmer's trumpet, Golson's arrangements, and the consistently high quality of the other sidemen, it's not hard to see why.