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.
Taking A Chance On Love
Tal Farlow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
In Tal Farlow's "Taking a Chance on Love" we see a sense of determination and hope towards love. The chorus sings, "Taking a chance on love," emphasizing the risk that comes with putting yourself out there yet again. The opening line, "Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again," seems to suggest that the singer is ready for another chance at love, reminiscent of the sound of a starting gun.
The lyrics continue on to discuss the risks involved in pursuing love. The line, "I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try," encapsulates the singer's past feelings towards love, believing it to be a rigged game. But now, with the "ace of hearts high," they are willing to take the risk and see where it goes. The chorus "Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now, we'll have a happy ending now," implies the confidence and optimism in the singer's outlook, holding hope for a happier future.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.
I'm starting again, and I can feel the rush of excitement as the band starts playing once more.
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
I'm feeling radiant and alive as I take a risk on love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
I'm about to embark on this adventure once more, knowing full well that it could be bumpy.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
My eyes are filled with wonder and hope as I dive headfirst into love again.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
I used to think that love was rigged and it wasn't worth trying.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Now, I'm taking a chance and going all in, hoping to win big and find true love.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
I can see things coming together and feel the possibility of a bright future.
We'll have a happy ending now, takin' a chance on love.
I'm hopeful that this time around, I'll find that elusive happy ending I've been looking for.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I'm about to make the same move I've made before, knowing that it could go either way.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
I'm ready to hold on tight and see where this love journey takes me.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
I'm ready to show that I still have what it takes to move forward and make progress in love.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I've found my rhythm once more and I'm ready to take another chance at love.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
I feel like I'm lucky, like everything is going my way and I'm surrounded by good fortune.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
Even if someone is trying to bring me down, they won't be able to because I'm on such a roll.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I know I could be setting myself up for another heartbreak by taking this risk, but I'm still willing to try anyway.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
I'm putting my heart and soul into this new romance and taking a chance on love once more.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Latouche, Ted Fetter, Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dasaggropop1244
i love him. my favourite guitar player of all times. so cheerful, so bluesy, so immaculate.
@ruthdixon7807
his smooth, almost uninflected fluency and bop melodicism mark Farlow as one of the great players.
@movievaudeville
One of my absolute faves and models for player. I also really dig that early on he got tired of the backstage BS and bugged out for Sea Bright to go be a sign painter again and play the gigs he wanted to play. For years around here we've called keeping a day job while gigging "doing a Tal Farlow". His work with Red Norvo is still, to me, the ultimate in that sound.
@rickjensen2717
Absolutely fantastic!
@StevenMighty
Such a cheerful song :-) thank you great Tal Farlow
@gabri3l367
Great Tal Farlow !
@mdmphd
I think this will be the lp of his I look for - thanks for psoting!
@johnfenner347
Just Wonderful !. The Master For Me. Marvellous ! x .
@weeksey49
sitting in the flight deck in wilmiton Delaware at the same table with Tal with Shep Spencer doing shots between sets best night of my life
@Batlerdark
rich sound