Joe Farrell

The Profile

Joe Farrell (born Joseph Carl Firrantello) was an American jazz saxophonist and flautist known for his CTI Records output in the early 1970s and for playing in Chick Corea’s first Return to Forever lineup. His albums such as Moon Germs, Outback, Penny Arcade and Upon This Rock are cornerstones of jazz-fusion and jazz-funk.

American jazz saxophonist and flautist; born Joseph Carl Firrantello; recorded seminal CTI albums engineered by Rudy Van Gelder and produced by Creed Taylor; early member of Chick Corea’s Return to Forever; key albums include Joe Farrell Quartet, Moon Germs, Outback, Penny Arcade, Upon This Rock and Canned Funk.

One positive review hails Joe Farrell’s 1974 CTI album Upon This Rock and spotlights his tenor/soprano sax and flute prowess. It frames Farrell’s CTI period as an early, hybrid pre-fusion zone, praising vintage 70s grooves and standout collaborators. Overall tone: warmly enthusiastic.