The Heights – An Xperience Column

The Heights – An Xperience Column – by Joe Barna.

Welcome back to The Heights. In this episode we will talk about one the most relevant, significant and revered drummers of the past 30 years in jazz history, rhythm master Joe Farnsworth. Many of you may not know this name, but after reading this article it will be a difficult one for you to forget.

Where to begin?

Drummer, educator, leader and recording artist Joe Farnsworth is what we consider in the industry a “Drummer’s Drummer.” He embodies all that it means to be a legend of the music and is an inspiration to generations of drummers worldwide. His knowledge of jazz, mastery of his instrument, sound, feel and style have placed him among the greats throughout the music’s vast history. He is one of the most recorded jazz drummers of all time and continues to make his mark on the NYC jazz scene today.

Let’s get to know this beautiful cat a little more…

Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts in 1968 Joe was destined to become a great musician. His father was a music educator and 2 of his brothers took to the music early on as well. Both of which found themselves in the professional world as performers and educators in their adult lives. Two of Farnsworth’s earliest mentors were master teacher Alan Dawson and jazz luminary Arthur Taylor. These 2 drumming icons would leave a heavy imprint on the style and flare of Joe as he entered into the jazz program at William Patterson College and eventually graduated in 1994.

Upon finishing at William Patterson, Farnsworth found himself performing alongside young masters the likes of saxophonist Eric Alexander and guitarist Peter Bernstein. Once the word started to spread about Joe’s power, precision, swing feel, speed, musicality and melodic approach he quickly found himself comping for some of the greatest musicians to ever play including Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, Pharoah Sanders, Horace Silver, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, McCoy Tyner, Lou Donaldson, Cedar Walton and way too many others to list. To say Farnsworth has been there and done that would be the understatement of 2024 thus far. He is simply one of the greatest to ever strike the skins and go tippin’ that ride cymbal.

A little background on how I met Joe Farnsworth…

One night at Smalls Jazz Club in the West Village of NYC I was hanging out and enjoying the sounds of the Harold Mabern Trio. Joe Farnsworth was the drummer on that gig and boy was this dude swingin’. After the performance the late night session was getting ready to kick off and Joe stayed around sitting drum side, while talking with friends, waiting to see who was going to sit in. I happened to be the only drummer (again) so when the session started it was me at the throne. I’m not sure who else sat in that night, but I remember after the first tune Joe leaned over to me and said “Man, I don’t know who you are, but you sound really good. Nice swing feel and ideas.” Those inspiring words have stayed with me since that chilly winter night in November of 2014.

Most of the heavy cats I met while in NYC were humble, kind, supportive, confident and most of all honest. They knew when to criticize and when to compliment. It was never competitive and always genuine, coming from a place of love. Joe Farnsworth is one of those musicians who carries with them a warmth and level of integrity to be admired by those who have the pleasure to be in his presence. He is a treasure on the New York scene and a real gentleman of the artform.

Soooooooooo………

On Sunday, April 28th the capital region will have the honor of being present at Alias Coffee Roasters in Troy, NY as we welcome Joe Farnsworth and his band of giants to the stage. This is a one night only performance featuring some of the greatest voices of jazz on the scene today. His infectious swing and soul will fill the room with a vibrant love that is sure to transcend the entire audience to a place of complete sonic blissfulness. He has never played as a leader in Troy, NY and we are privileged to play host to this giant of the drum kit.

Here are the details….

Sunday, April 28th

Alias Coffee Roasters, 219 4th street, Troy, NY
Joe Farnsworth and Friends
Sets at 6pm & 7:30Pm

To purchase tickets please go to Eventbrite.com and search Joe Farnsworth at Alias Coffee, Troy, NY

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