Jimmy Farace is a Chicago-based jazz baritone saxophonist, composer, and educator, praised for his “big and sonorous” tone and a style that “calls to mind the coolness of Gerry Mulligan” (Jazz Weekly). His compositions have been described as “delightfully elegant, flirtatiously succulent” (Exclusive Magazine), and his debut as a leader earned recognition from DownBeat’s Bill Milkowski, who named him a “Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition.” Farace brings a fresh voice to the baritone saxophone - grounded in tradition but marked by striking originality as both a writer and performer.
Farace’s debut album, Hours Fly, Flowers Die (Shifting Paradigm Records, 2025), marks an uncommonly mature entry into the scene, presenting a collection of original music and reimagined classics for nonet with strings. “A COMPLETE musical statement,” says Walter Smith III, noting the project “displays an uncommon level of maturity for such a young artist.” Gary Smulyan adds: “His baritone playing is deeply emotional, mature, and his sound simply gorgeous… wonderfully conceived, and in perfect balance and harmony.” The album features standout contributions from Chicago heavyweights including Dana Hall, Clark Sommers, Kenny Reichert, and Julius Tucker, along with the KAlA String Quartet.
Farace has performed and recorded with a wide range of top-tier musicians, including Dana Hall, Clark Sommers, Sharel Cassity, Greg Ward, Tom Garling, John Wojociechowski, Ethan Philion, and Scott Hesse, and has appeared in saxophone sections supporting soloists such as Chris Potter, Randy Brecker, and Jeff Hamilton. His experience also includes engagements with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, The Tom Garling Orchestra, Heritage Big Band, and the Birch Creek Faculty Band.
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