Tag Archives: Joe Farrell

Listening Room – “Upon This Rock”

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Upon This Rock

Joe Farrell – “Weathervane”

Joe Farrell – “Upon This Rock”

From “Upon This Rock” : 1974 : CTI 6042

This 1974 fusion extravaganza was Joe Farrell’s fifth release in a string of fantastic records for CTI.  This album again features the guitar talents of Joe Beck, who could have easily been credited as a co-leader, as his instrument is front and center throughout the entire recording.  Farrell shows off his many talents, switching between the tenor and alto saxophones as well as the flute.  The record opens with the blistering Weathervane, while the title track settles into a groove as Beck and Farrell have their way with the funky melody.  For whatever reason, this album is currently out-of-print.

Players:
Joe Farrell – Tenor & Soprano Sax, Flute
Joe Beck – Guitar
Herbie Hancock – Piano
Herb Bushler – Bass
Don Alias – Conga
Jim Madison – Drums

Listening Room – “Moon Germs”

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This 1973 release by Joe Farrell on CTI was his attempt to throw his hat into the ring of electric jazz and he made quite a statement when he did.  Joined by Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke and Jack DeJohnette, “Moon Germs” finds Farrell leading the talented group on three Chick Corea penned tracks and one written by Clarke (Bass Folk Song).  The music is angular and (for the time) very adventurous.  While CTI is often maligned for Creed Taylor’s use of “big” production, “Moon Germs” has none of that and the record is a great example of early jazz fusion at its best.

Moon Germs
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Released 1973  :  CTI Records  :  Catalog # 6023

Players:
Joe Farrell – Soprano Sax, Flute
Herbie Hancock – Piano
Stanley Clarke – Bass
Jack DeJohnette – Drums

Joe Farrell – Great Gorge from “Moon Germs”

Joe Farrell – Bass Folk Song from “Moon Germs”

Listening Room – “Jaki Byard Quartet Live!”

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The Jaki Byard Quartet Live!

Jaki Byard – “Alan’s Got Rhythm”

Jaki Byard – “Twelve”

From “Jaki Byard Quartet Live!” : 1994 : Prestige 24121

For some ridiculous reason this CD compilation of two live recordings (“Live! At Lennie’s, Vol. 1″ and “Live! At Lennie’s Vol. 2″) by the Jaki Byard Quartet is currently out of print.   The shows were recorded in 1965 at Lennie’s-on-the-Turnpike in Massachussets and all the players – especially Joe Farrell on tenor sax, soprano sax and flute – are in top form.  Jaki Byard (who had recently ended a very fruitful stint playing with Charles Mingus) shows off all of his many skills on the piano and keeps the audience and the players on their toes.  Track this recording down if you can.

Players:
Joe Farrell – Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax, Flute
Jakie Byard – Piano
George Tucker – Bass
Alan Dawson – Drums