Art Farmer (1928-1999) and Gigi Gryce (1927-1983) had a special relationship going in the mid-Fifties. They had been bandmates in the Lionel Hampton orchestra that visited France and Sweden in 1953, the band that included Clifford Brown, Jimmy Cleveland, et al., and discovered a natural musical camaraderie. Back in New York they further developed this affinity as Manhattan neighbors and musical partners. It was a specific association that lasted into 1956.
On the first of the two dates here, Art and Gigi are backed by the Prestige house rhythm section of the time--Horace Silver, Percy Heath, and Kenny Clarke. It is a hot blowing session.

with Horace Silver, Percy Heath, Kenny Clarke, Freddie Redd, Addison Farmer, Arthur Taylor