Joe Farrell ~ USA

Penny Arcade (1974)

Earlier last year I picked up a handful of Joe Farrell albums, starting with his 1970 quartet and ending with 1975's Canned Funk. For me each album progressed further into the territory I enjoy. From the decidedly pure jazz at the beginning of the decade to the grooving heavy funk by the mid 70s. And Penny Arcade maintains that trajectory, as I found myself enjoying this more than Moon Germs but not as much as Upon This Rock. Primarily the difference is there are no whopper tracks here, everything is just satisfactory. Or as they would say in the business world: Meets Expectations. Guitarist Joe Beck is certainly more restrained here (unfortunately) than on the next two albums. And I always wish that Farrell would have stuck to the flute, as he's sax honking mad here. Given the entire Joe Farrell experience, I'm keeping this for now.

Ownership: 1974 CTI (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2022.

10/14/22 (review)

Joe Farrell Quartet / Song Of The Wind (1970)

OK, this was one Joe Farrell too many for me. His first release as band leader shows Farrell still in pure jazz mode, without any hints of rock. Opens up in fine fashion with a pleasant post bop piece, though again I'm not too fond of Farrell's honking style. 'Collage for Polly' is a fine atmospheric experimental number with flute in the lead. 'Circle in the Square' is exactly what I don't like in jazz. Way too noisy, though not avant garde by any means. This is iffy so far. The first three tracks on Side 2 has Farrell primarily on flute, which I enjoy, though I'm having a hard time finding a comfort zone here. It's a bit loose and lacking memorable melodies or sequences. The final closer 'Motion' is awful. Now this is free jazz, and I'll probably never get my head around why it was popular in the first place. I appreciate the freedom of sound and idea, but you have to do more than make random noise, for me at least. Yuck. Even though John McLaughlin is featured as part of the group, his guitar is almost entirely absent. I'm going to move this one out. Features a nice gatefold cover, typical of the label. 

In the small print, it states you can get a custom color print of the cover for $19.50. Whoa, that was a lot of money in 1970 for such an item. I wonder if anyone actually took them up on the offer? 

---6/1/26

So I sat down to listen to one of my newly acquired Joe Farrell albums entitled 'Song Of The Wind'. Hmm, seems like I've heard this before! I put the genius in Genius Hans I tell ya.

Since I was already here, I gave it another whirl. My opinion is verbatim of the above. Tempted to go +1, but damn B4 is a mess.

Interesting to note that the repro of the cover is now only $2. Now that's deflation!

Source: 1970 CTI (LP). Gatefold; 1976 CTI (LP). as Song Of The Wind. Gatefold.

6/28/21 (review); 6/1/26 (update)

Moon Germs (1973) 

I recently reported on two later Farrell albums, and how I enjoyed both immensely. Moon Germs was my introduction to Farrell's solo works, via a CD release. Since it had some value (at the time), I sold it, as I wasn't overly enamored with it. But I definitely wanted to hear it again with a fresh set of ears. After hearing it again, I can certainly see why I was OK letting it go. But I do enjoy it more now. If for nothing else than the excellent closer 'Bass Folk Song' which sounds more like Lloyd McNeill than Joe Farrell. He should have played the flute more, that's for sure. "Stan" Clarke is also having a good time on the bass throughout the album. The other tracks point more to a late era jazz album than the more trendy rock fusion that was penetrating the market back then. Love these CTI bulletproof gatefolds - and it's a great cover too.

Ownership: 1973 CTI (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2021.

First copy: 2002 CTI Legacy (CD). Acquired in 2005.

2//05; 12/16/15; 6/26/21 (review)

Canned Funk (1975)

This album goes hand in hand with Upon This Rock. Everything from the album layout, song lengths, instrumentation, and musical focus. Side 1 is a bit off the pace, though once again guitarist Joe Beck is keeping it far above water. But Side 2 is the best of the "4 sides" if I can compare. 'Suite Martinique' is brilliant, moving towards progressive rock, given its relative complexity. Superb flute and sax from Farrell, and Beck is on fire here. Great rhythm section throughout. These Farrell albums are proving to be a revelation for me. As noted, comes in yet another fantastic thick gatefold cover, pointing to an earlier era of product.

Ownership: 1975 CTI (LP). Acquired in 2021.

3/15/21 (review)

Upon This Rock (1974)

Like with Donald Byrd and Joe Henderson, I don't know much about Farrell either. I was convinced to buy his Moon Germs album, which I dutifully picked up on CD many years ago. I did like it, but it wasn't revelatory, and since I could get good coin for the CD, I sold it. I probably need to revisit again now that my ears are more adjusted, and certainly would buy the LP in any case (and I did just as you can see above). And even more so now since I've heard this follow-up album. Guitarist Joe Beck lights it up everywhere. I like everything he's on, so that should be another focus area for me. Opener 'Weathervane' can get pretty complex, and recalls Mahavishnu Orchestra at times. 'I Won't Be Back' is also great with Beck's guitar and some fine flute playing from Farrell. The title track starts awesome with Beck seemingly ready to go into Manuel Gottsching mode, but unfortunately pulls back. I was hoping for a Gary Saracho moment here. My only "complaint" (ha!) is I'm not overly fond of Farrell's sax work here. He's not screechy or noisy, so that's good, but he does tend to "honk" which can be annoying, to my ears anyway. A small matter really, as this album is excellent overall. Like many CTI albums, this comes in a fine thick gatefold cover.

Ownership: 1974 CTI (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2021.

3/14/21 (review)

Also own: Benson & Farrell; Outback

10/14/22 (new entry)