Customer Reviews

Sonic Text

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If ever there was an underrated musician, it was Joe Farrell. His technical abilities on tenor and soprano saxes were exceptional. His flute playing abilities were equally as good. Funny thing is Joe could have easily been a great classical flute player as well. This album presents a more straight-ahead Farrell with a great contribution from the legendary trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and another underrated great, George Cables. Listening to Joe's ballad "When You're Awake", sadly reminds us of the loss of this great musician at such an early age. For those of you who enjoy Farrell's straight-ahead dates such as this one, you should check out "Skateboard Park" and the dates with Art Pepper. Joe was a jazz giant. A true Italian stallion of the saxophone.

In my opinion this is legendary Joe Farrell's finest recording. Freddie Hubbard is in fine form as well, cutting loose with some awesome solos. You don't hear about this as much as "Moon Germs" and other CTI albums he made but don't know why. He's a classic unsung hero.

The first Joe Farrell album I heard was Upon This Rock. This disc is just as great. This is jazz at its finest, and I highly recommend this disc for your collection. Perhaps one day all of the CTI recordings will be made available for purchase. Until then, pick this one up. He's gone, but he lives on in his recordings.

Sonic Text is definitely a solid performance and I would highly recommend it. Joe Farrell is in top form and he is joined by outstanding sidemen. George Cables is exceptional as a soloist and in a supportive role. Fans of Freddie Hubbard will also be delighted because I think you will find some of his most compelling soloing here. Enjoy! -Eric Rogers

This definitley has to be one of the best jazz cd's I have in my collection. Joe Farrell and Freddie Hubbart come together in perfect unison as they blow away listeners with great heads and explosive solos. A must have