The Art of Fugue was J.S. Bach's final composition which many justifiably regard as the apotheosis of his legacy. This arrangement by the Musica Antiqua Koln is one of the most austere chamber versions on CD with nearly half of the movements interspersed evenly throughout the performance played by only one or two instrumentalists.
On the Road features a logical but only one-time collaboration between flügelhornist Art Farmer and altoist Art Pepper. With pianist Hampton Hawes, bassist Ray Brown, and either Steve Ellington or Shelly Manne on drums completing the quintet, the five standards and Hawes' original "Downwind" were certainly in good hands. A special highlight is a duet version of "My Funny Valentine," featuring Farmer and Hawes. Everyone plays up to par on this spirited straight-ahead set.