About the Artist

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 Sharel Cassity, Greg Ward, 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 national engagements with the Hugh Jackman World Tour Orchestra and the Birch Creek Faculty Band.

In addition to his active performance schedule, Farace is a dedicated educator on faculty at the Merit School of Music and maintains a private studio of high-achieving students. His teaching philosophy centers around a growth mindset—encouraging students to develop their sound, creativity, historical understanding, and work ethic in equal measure.

Wheeling High School Jazz will open the show.