Farlow was born in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1921, with his first introduction to a stringed instrument being the mandolin (tuned like a uke), as a young child. Nearly as famous for his reluctance to perform publicly as for his outstanding abilities, he did not take up the instrument until he was 21, but within a year was playing professionally and in 1948 was with Marjorie Hyams' band. While with the Red Norvo Trio from 1949–1953, Farlow became famous in the jazz world. His huge hands and ability to play rapid yet light lines, which earned him the nickname "Octopus", made him one of the top guitarists of the era. Where other similar players of his day combined rhythmic chords with linear melodies, Farlow preferred placing single notes together in clusters, varying between harmonically enriched tones based on a startling new technique.
After six months with Artie Shaw's Gramercy Five in 1953, Farlow put together his own group, which for a time included pianist Eddie Costa. In 1958, Farlow retired from full-time performing and settled in Sea Bright, New Jersey, returning to a career as a sign painter. He continued to play occasional dates in local clubs, however. In 1962 the Gibson Guitar Corporation, with Farlow's participation, produced the "Tal Farlow" model in their prestigious Artist Model line. The production model has a mandolin-style scroll at the top of the body.
In 1968 while living in Sea Bright, Tal Farlow visited Phil Petillo's Studio Workshop every Saturday up until the early 1980s. Dr. Petillo, with legendary Tal Farlow, built what was known as the Full House Concept First Octave Divider, which was a stool that had a built-in amplifier and a pedal to control it. It provided smooth, rich warmth to the sound of the guitar with volume without distortion while allowing the artist more freedom of movement when performing. At this time, Phillip designed Tal a specialized guitar with a moving pickup that had nylon tracks underneath the pickguard to adjust the pickup in any position between the end of the fingerboard and bridge for jazz performances to suit his own individual needs, and to introduce young players to jazz and its components. They had a good creative working relationship for many years.
Farlow only made one record as a leader during 1960–1975, but emerged a bit more often during 1976–1984, recording for Concord fairly regularly before largely disappearing again. He was profiled in the documentary film, Talmage Farlow, made in 1980/81. The guitarist can be heard on his records for Blue Note (a 10" LP in 1954), Norgran (later Verve, 1954–60), and Prestige (1969), as well as those for Concord.
Farlow died in New York City on July 25, 1998.
Moonlight Becomes You
Tal Farlow Lyrics
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You certainly know the right thing to wear
Moonlight becomes you, I'm thrilled at the sight
And I could get so romantic tonight
You're all dressed up to go dreaming
Now don't tell me I'm wrong
And what a night to go dreaming
If I say I love you
I want you to know
It's not just because there's moonlight
Although, moonlight becomes you so
You're all dressed up to go dreaming
Now don't tell me I'm wrong
And what a night to go dreaming
Mind if I tag along
If I say I love you
I want you to know
It's not just because there's moonlight
Although, moonlight becomes you so
The lyrics to Tal Farlow's song "Moonlight Becomes You" are a love letter to a woman who is stunningly beautiful in the moonlight. Farlow paints a picture of her wearing the right thing, with her hair reflecting the delicate moonlight. The singer is clearly enamored with her beauty and is thrilled just to be in her presence. He even confesses that he could get romantic at the sight of her under the moonlight.
The singer gently hints at his feelings for this woman, saying "If I say I love you, I want you to know, it's not just because there's moonlight, although moonlight becomes you so." This line suggests that the woman's beauty under the moonlight enhances his already-existing love for her. Overall, the lyrics of "Moonlight Becomes You" are romantic and dreamy, reflecting the magic of a moonlit evening.
Line by Line Meaning
Moonlight becomes you, it goes with your hair
Your beauty is amplified by the magical, comforting light of the moon
You certainly know the right thing to wear
Your attire perfectly complements the aura of the the moonlit scenery
Moonlight becomes you, I'm thrilled at the sight
The sight of you in the moonlight fills me with an overwhelming sense of joy
And I could get so romantic tonight
The beautiful combination of you and the moonlight has put me in a highly romantic mood
You're all dressed up to go dreaming
You seem ready to immerse yourself in the dreamscape that the moonlight creates
Now don't tell me I'm wrong
I'm confident in my perception of your intentions and desires
And what a night to go dreaming
The moonlit night is the perfect setting to indulge in one's dreams
Mind if I tag along
Can I join you in experiencing the magic of the night?
If I say I love you
I want you to know the depth of my affection
I want you to know
It's important that you understand
It's not just because there's moonlight
My love for you is not merely a result of the atmospheric conditions
Although, moonlight becomes you so
The way the moonlight enhances your beauty certainly adds to my feelings for you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind