Perception (Art Farmer album)

This was Farmer's second album as leader for Argo, and the first recording on which he played only flugelhorn.[3]^:10 The three other musicians were all part of the Jazztet, a sextet that Farmer co-led.[3]^:11

"Punsu" (formerly "Pon-su") is a 32-bar composition in the form AABCB; "the B sections acting as four-bar tags to the main melody and the bridge".[3]^:11 "The Day After" is a ballad that hints at modal influences.[3]^:11 "Lullaby of the Leaves" has just Farmer and bassist Williams for the first chorus, while the flugelhorn joins the latter half of the choruses by bass and piano.[3]^:11 "Kayin'" features strong playing by Williams and is an acknowledgement of the album's producer, Kay Norton.[3]^:11

The Allmusic review stated "This is a gorgeous record, full of light and airiness; it showcases the depth rather than the breadth of Farmer's contribution".[1]

All compositions by Art Farmer except as indicated

1. "Punsu" – 5:14
2. "The Day After" (Tom McIntosh) – 2:25
3. "Lullaby of the Leaves" (Bernice Petkere, Joe Young) – 4:18
4. "Kayin'" – 3:57
5. "Tonk" (Ray Bryant) – 4:37
6. "The Blue Room" (Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers) – 3:58
7. "Change Partners" (Irving Berlin) – 5:23
8. "Nobody's Heart" (Hart, Rodgers) – 4:05

• Art Farmer – flugelhorn
• Harold Mabern – piano
• Tommy Williams – bass
• Roy McCurdy – drums