Jimmy Farace is a dedicated jazz baritone saxophonist, composer, and educator based in the vibrant city of Chicago. Farace is known for collaborating with acclaimed musicians and presenting innovative projects that blend jazz tradition with a unique, thematic approach. His compositions have been described as “delightfully elegant, flirtatiously succulent” (Exclusive Magazine) and tone has been celebrated as “big and sonorous - visceral while giving hints of Gerry Mulligan coolness” (Jazz Weekly). Farace firmly believes that music should be accessible to all, serving as a universal language that communicates themes and emotions shared by every human being.

Jimmy Farace’s artistic journey has been shaped by a profound love for the jazz tradition and a desire to explore its limitless possibilities. As a dedicated baritone saxophonist, Farace possesses an unwavering belief in the instrument's inherent beauty. The deep, resonant tones of the baritone saxophone serve as a vehicle for emotional expression, allowing Farace to convey the intricacies of his compositions with unparalleled depth and richness. This belief in the transformative power of the baritone saxophone is woven into every note and melody.

Throughout his career, Farace has had the privilege of collaborating with highly acclaimed Chicago jazz musicians, including Mark Colby, Dana Hall, Scott Hesse, Clark Sommers, Ethan Philion, Katie Ernst, Gustavo Cortinas, Julius Tucker, and Pete Benson. These collaborations have not only enriched his artistic expression but also contributed to the cultural tapestry of Chicago's jazz scene. 

In addition to these collaborations, Farace has developed into an emerging bandleader, guiding his ensembles to grace renowned venues in Chicago such as Andy’s Jazz Club, Evanston Space, Fulton Street Collective, Merrimen’s Playhouse, and various others. His leadership extends beyond local stages, with successful tours that have taken his group to notable venues across the US, including Caffe Vivace, Con Alma, Pausa Art House, and more.

Upcoming projects include the anticipated release of Farace’s debut album as a leader. This project will document Farace’s original compositions and arrangements for a jazz nonet, featuring a stellar lineup of highly acclaimed Chicago musicians. The ensemble comprises GRAMMY award-winning Clark Sommers on bass, Dr. Dana Hall on drums, Julius Tucker on piano, Kenny Reichert on guitar, KAIA String Quartet, and the renowned Greg Ward serving as the producer. As the primary performer and the creative force behind the compositions and arrangements, this album showcases Farace's unique voice on the baritone saxophone and distinctive compositional approach.

Entitled Hours Fly, Flowers Die, the album is a heartfelt narrative bound together by the poignant themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. Drawing inspiration from Henry Van Dyke’s timeless poem, "For Katrina’s Sundial," the collection of original compositions and arrangements in this project become a contemplative journey, capturing the essence of fleeting moments, the bittersweet nature of nostalgia, and the universal struggle to hold onto the ephemeral present. 

Farace’s past project, the co-led trio entitled Trio Profondo, was a testament to his innovative approach. Bonding over their shared Italian American heritage, Farace, along with Stephen Parisi (bass) and Paul Barrilles (drums), formed Trio Profondo to present Black American Music through an uncommon and exciting instrumentation. In March 2023, Trio Profondo self released their album, "Mosaic" - a collection of original compositions from each of the members and a standard from the pen of Thelonious Monk. Much like the nature of Trio Profondo itself, each track of "Mosaic," though independent in nature, merges to create something greater than the sum of its parts. "Mosaic" received overwhelmingly positive local and international critical acclaim.

As a baritone saxophone specialist, Farace boasts an impressive portfolio, demonstrating his versatility in diverse musical settings. His proficiency in big band saxophone sections has led him to perform alongside world-class soloists like Chris Potter, Randy Brecker, and Jeff Hamilton. Noteworthy national engagements include contributions to the Hugh Jackman World Tour Orchestra, Birch Creek Faculty Band, Brendan Lanighan (of Airmen of Note) Nonet, and participation in the Disneyland All-American College Band.

A passionate educator, Jimmy Farace serves on faculty at the Merit School of Music Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory - Chicago's premier conservatory for pre-collegiate musicians. Additionally, Farace serves as woodwind instructor at Riverside Brookfield High School and maintains an impressive private woodwind studio of high-achieving students throughout the Chicagoland area. Farace’s conceptualization of student learning is based on Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset Theory as detailed in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Farace’s students leave their lessons having obtained the following three things: the knowledge of the historical impact and modern practices of music; the skills to perform written and improvised music in a plethora of styles; and a growth mindset which prioritizes work ethic.

Jimmy Farace stands as a torchbearer for the rich legacy of the baritone saxophone. His dedication is evident in his studies under the guidance of baritone masters Gary Smulyan, Brian Landrus, and Paul Nedzela, as well as saxophone luminaries Walter Smith III, Greg Ward, and Tom Walsh. Farace’s academic journey includes earning a full-tuition scholarship for a Bachelor of Music from the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and achieving a Masters of Music from DePaul University.