Joe Farrell

The Profile

Joe Farrell (born Joseph Carl Firrantello, December 16, 1937 – January 10, 1986) was an American jazz saxophonist and flautist. He recorded for CTI Records, explored jazz-fusion territory in the late 1960s and 1970s, and played with notable musicians across jazz and fusion scenes.

Plays tenor and soprano saxophone and flute. Recorded for CTI Records. Associated with 1970s jazz/fusion and worked with collaborators including Joe Beck and Herbie Hancock. Notable albums include Upon This Rock, Penny Arcade and Canned Funk.

The available DeBaser review highlights Joe Farrell as a versatile saxophonist and flautist who explored jazz, funk, soul and rock influences during the late 1960s–1970s. The reviewer praises CTI-era records (notably Upon This Rock) and Farrell's interplay with guitarists like Joe Beck and guests such as Herbie Hancock. Farrell's records are described as early, tasteful hybrids of jazz and adjacent genres with energetic improvisation. The review calls for more attention to his work.