Verve Records Stereo 1966

Largely forgotten now, Gary McFarland was one of the more significant contributors to orchestral jazz during the early '60s. An "adult prodigy," as Gene Lees accurately noted, McFarland was an ingenious composer whose music could reveal shades of complex emotional subtlety and clever childlike simplicity. While in the Army, he became interested in jazz and attempted to play trumpet, trombone, and piano. In 1955, he took up playing the vibes. Displaying a quick ability for interesting writing, he obtained a scholarship to the Berklee School of Music.

Soft Samba Strings, a misleading title that has less to do with Soft Samba and more to do with McFarland's similar feature for Zoot Sims (Waiting Game). Rather dull, perhaps because a strong soloist like Sims is missing.

~ Douglas Payne, All Music Guide

Side 1.

1. Full Moon and Empty Arms
2. Skylark
3. I Know the Meaning
4. Manha de Carnaval
5. Lamp Is Low

Side 2.

1. Reverie
2. These Are the Things I Love
3. Theme From 13
4. Once We Loved
5. Our Love