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Joe Farnsworth: Straight From The Soul

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

Joe's musical journey began in South Hadley, Massachusetts, in 1968, where he was born into a family steeped in music. His father, a music educator, and his four older brothers, two of whom became professional musicians, provided the perfect environment for Joe to nurture his talent.

He studied with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor before attending and graduating from William Patterson College in New Jersey in 1994. There, 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 graduated from the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music, where she received her Bachelor's degree in 2019, and 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.