Album Notes

Betty Farmer (1939 -2001) A jazz singer who made her debut with a Dixieland band in her native New Orleans as a teenager, she toured with Mr. Duke Ellington in the 1960's and 1970's and in 1972 performed with him in Carnegie Hall. But when Mr. Duke Ellington offered her a long-term contract, her daughter said, she turned it down. "My mother was a free spirit," said Kathryn Nesbit, 38. "She said Duke, `"I love you, but I'd be bored out of my mind.’" Ms. Farmer, at 62 and divorced, performed in clubs and jazz festivals, traveled and lived in different cities and once owned a nightclub in Denver. In 1997, she moved to New York City at the urging of Ms. Nesbit, who told her "you have to go. It's for you." Ms. Nesbit was right. Ms. Farmer made new friends, started playing the guitar and,although on a singing hiatus, was preparing a comeback. It was just before this time that Ms. Farmer created this memorable performance in the San Francisco Bay Area with bay area legends, Jules Broussard (saxophones), Harley White (bass), ‘Flip’ Nunez (piano) and also joined by Marlon Green (drums). Also , sitting in was local trumpeter John Mayer. It was soon after this time tragic news was heard: “Backwash" is saddened to report that Denver-based blues-and-jazz singer Betty Farmer is among those still missing in the rubble of the collapsed World Trade Center buildings. This C.D. represents Betty's "Dreamband" and musical favorites.
Our sympathy goes out to her family, friends and many fans.” Betty Farmer's legacy lives on forever!