Joe Farnsworth: Straight From The Soul

Show notes: One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers today, Joe is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing.

Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts, in 1968, Joe grew up in a musical family; his father was a music educator, and he has four older brothers, two of whom became professional musicians.

He studied with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor prior to attending and graduating from William Patterson College in New Jersey in 1994, where he began playing with saxophonist Eric Alexander and guitarist Peter Bernstein.

Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club). He performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, John Ore, Big John Patton, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Jenkins, and his brothers, John and James.

Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CDs as leader and side-man, jazz festivals, and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Barry Harris, Curtis Fuller to name a few.

He was the drummer for the late McCoy Tyner, a member of the late Pharaoh Sanders Quartet, and the late Harold Mabern Trio, and is a founding member of the renowned One for All Quintet.

My recordings as a leader include Drumspeak and Beautiful Friendship feats. Cedar Walton and Curtis Fuller, Prime Time, Super Prime Time, and Make Someone Happy.

Sarah Hanahan is an up-and-coming jazz saxophonist in New York City. Sarah is a graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music, where she received her Bachelor's degree in 2019, as well as The Juilliard School, where she received her master's degree in 2022. She has had the privilege of studying with some of the greats of our time, including Abraham Burton, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Billy Drummond, and Marc Cary.