Originally published in Jersey Jazz Magazine. Reprinted by permission of the New Jersey Jazz Society.
For more than three decades, Joe Farnsworth has been one of the most admired drummers in modern jazz, revered for his superb technique, driving swing, and unwavering commitment to the jazz tradition. A Massachusetts native mentored by legendary drummers Alan Dawson, Arthur Taylor, and Jimmy Lovelace, Farnsworth has appeared on nearly 400 recordings and performed with an astonishing array of jazz masters, including McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Pharoah Sanders, Cedar Walton, Harold Mabern, and Wynton Marsalis. He is also a founding member of the acclaimed hard bop collective, One for All, alongside longtime musical associates tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trombonist Steve Davis, the late trumpeter Jim Rotondi, and pianist David Hazeltine.
As part of the William Paterson University Summer Jazz Series, Farnsworth returns to familiar territory when he brings his The Big Room Quartet to Shea Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, July 22, featuring special guests such as pianist Emmet Cohen and alto saxophonist Sarah Hanahan. For Farnsworth, the performance represents something of a homecoming. A graduate of William Paterson University’s renowned Jazz Studies program --and now a member of its faculty -- he has often spoken about the profound influence the school had on his musical development.
Farnsworth frequently cites one of the greatest advantages of music school as being surrounded by highly motivated young musicians whose relentless practicing and pursuit of excellence inspired one another to greater heights. Equally important was William Paterson’s proximity to New York City, allowing students to spend their days studying and their evenings immersed in the music itself, hearing masters in clubs, attending jam sessions, and experiencing firsthand the vibrant jazz scene of Manhattan.
Among Farnsworth’s classmates were future jazz luminaries such as Alexander, who would later become one of his closest collaborators, and drummer Bill Stewart whose constant dedication to practice inspired Farnsworth to work even harder as a student. The friendships and musical relationships formed during those years would prove enduring, inspiring Farnsworth to eventually return to the university to mentor the next generation of aspiring musicians.
Perhaps no relationship born of William Paterson proved more influential than Farnsworth's bond with pianist Harold Mabern. The two forged a deep personal and musical connection, recording and touring extensively together over many years. Farnsworth has often described Mabern as a mentor whose joyous spirit, wisdom, and profound understanding of swing left a strong imprint on his own musicianship and development. That influence can still be heard in Farnsworth’s playing today.
Farnsworth’s appearance is only one highlight of a remarkable week of performances, sponsored by WBGO 88.3 FM. The series begins on Monday, July 20, with the Jon-Erik Kellso Quintet, featuring the highly individual trumpet artistry that has made Kellso one of the foremost interpreters of classic jazz. Other performers are trumpeter Summer Camargo; Brazilian master drummer Duduka Da Fonseca, joined by special guest vocalist Maucha Adnet, celebrating the rich traditions of Brazilian jazz; and the powerful Dennis Mackrel Jazz Orchestra, led by the former Count Basie Orchestra Musical Director and drummer who now leads one of the most exciting big bands on today’s scene.
Camargo, featured as a Jersey Jazz Magazine Rising Star in May 2021 while still a student at Juilliard, is a member of the Saturday Night Live band and is currently performing in the band for the Broadway production of Just in Time. At WPU, she will be joined by saxophonist Veronica Leahy (a JJ Rising Star in November 2024), pianist William Schwartzman, bassist Raul Reyes, and drummer Varun Das.
William Paterson Summer Jazz Schedule
The Shea Center for the Performing Arts is located at 300 Pompton Road on the WPU campus in Wayne, NJ. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to order tickets log onto wpunj.org or call (973) 720-2371.
July 20 Jon-Erik Kellso Quintet
July 21 Summer Camargo Quintet
July 22 Joe Farnsworth Big Room Quartet
July 23 Duduka Da Fonseca Quartet
July 24 Dennis Mackrel Jazz Orchestra
The New Jersey Jazz Society is a non-profit organization of business and professional people, musicians, teachers, students and listeners working together for the purpose of advancing jazz music. Their mission is to promote and preserve America’s original art form – jazz. The Society seeks to ensure continuity of the jazz art form through its commitment to nurture and champion local talent, along with showcasing outstanding national and international artists providing for the younger generation via arts education programs.
