Curiously, while its tenor, alto, and even soprano cousins have frequently adopted the trio format with bass and drums, the baritone saxophone has very rarely (to my knowledge) been played in this context without the support of harmonic instruments such as the piano or guitar.
And—significantly—the one taking on this challenge here is not one of the instrument’s established practitioners in New York City but a true-blue Chicagoan, which helps reinforce the Windy City’s reputation as a place where jazz flourishes without worrying about its rivals on the East or West Coasts.
So, who is this Jimmy Farace, whom I knew nothing about until now and who is releasing his second album in two years?
Well, first and foremost, he is an excellent baritone saxophonist with a warm, rich tone—sometimes full-bodied, sometimes more languid—in short, an original musician who can unashamedly stand alongside elders such as Nick Brignola or Gary Smulyan (who offers a brief and apt tribute to his younger colleague in the press kit for this CD).
If one were to identify influences on Jimmy Farace, they lie closer to Gerry Mulligan than to Pepper Adams (to name just two deceased veterans), though he does not fall within the cool jazz tradition.
No, it is rather in the richness of the sound, its suppleness, and the fluidity of the phrasing that the two musicians can be compared, while acknowledging that Farace has developed his own distinct personality and displays a radiant maturity.
This maturity is evident in the five compositions penned by the saxophonist, the other three being standards, including Billy Strayhorn’s “Chelsea Bridge.”
On both ballads and up-tempo tracks, Farace displays a beautiful melodic imagination, and his sumptuous, deep tone is a delight from start to finish.
It should be noted that he is magnificently accompanied by two talented sidemen who contribute greatly to the band’s sound, with the bassist providing a solid, woody foundation and the drummer delivering a melodic and rich polyrhythmic performance.
These three take you on a journey through varied and enchanting soundscapes, and if we weren’t a bit worried about the cold, rising fuel prices, and Trump’s idiotic passport and visa hassles, we’d be ready to buy a plane ticket to Chicago ASAP to see and hear this excellent trio live on stage—a trio we unfortunately have little chance of ever seeing perform on French or European stages.
Too bad for us, but admit it, it’s infuriating!
Line up:
Jimmy Farace: baritone sax
Dana Hall: double bass
Clark Sommers: drums
Big Shoulders, Big Sound, Hit Coulers Jazz & Best of The Month was released by the label Shifting Paradigm Records, on April 17, 2026.
©Photo Header on Jimmy Farace’s site.
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