Tal Farlow

The film Tal Farlow portrays an intimate look at the talented yet humble jazz guitarist, who after a flurry of recording activity throughout most of the 1950s inexplicably dropped from the national jazz scene to concentrate on painting signs while performing occasionally around New Jersey and giving guitar lessons. This excellent documentary weaves excerpts of interviews with Farlow, who remarks that he never thought of making a career in music at first, thinking of it as more of a hobby. He gave up a full-time music career partially because he was happy living on the riverfront in New Jersey sign painting, and also because he didn't like traveling. There are numerous interview excerpts with others. George Benson remarks that no one dared trying to cut Farlow in a session, and praises his incredible sense of harmony. Red Norvo (who led a trio with the guitarist and Charles Mingus) dismisses the idea that Farlow retired simply because he wasn't playing where critics could hear him. Pianist Jimmy Lyon recalls his first meeting with Farlow, where he got a quick idea of his immense talent. There are also informal rehearsals in his home with fellow guitarist Lenny Breau, plus an extended bonus feature of outtakes from the shooting of that portion of the documentary. Farlow's return to the New York City jazz scene includes a studio rehearsal with pianist Tommy Flanagan and bassist Red Mitchell, in addition to extended excerpts from their live performance together. Bonus material added to this DVD reissue includes over an hour of Farlow's informal meeting with Breau. Although the main portion of the documentary is only 59 minutes long, it proves to be a captivating portrait of a great jazz musician. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide