Encyclopedia of Jazz Musicians
Futterman, Joel (David)
Futterman, Joel (David), pianist, curved soprano saxophone, wooden flutes, educator, author; b. Chicago, IL, 30 Apri 1946. Grew up and lived in Chicago with his mother (born Edythe Greenberg, 1915) his father (born Sol Futterman, 1915) his brother (Ronald, b. 1943) and his grandmother (b. Ella Greenberg, 1888).
Joel had piano lessons from about age 9-11, then continued playing on his own, eventually studying theory and harmony with Alan Swain. Joel met Clarence (Gene) Shaw when he was 18 and studied with Clarence for 3 years. Clarence was an important influence at the time. One night Clarence invited Joel to his home for a party. He introduced Joel to Charles Mingus. Joel recalls that Mingus gripped his hand firmly and stared up at the ceiling.
Joel attended University of Illinois in Chicago obtaining a (B.S.) Professor of political science, Herman Finer, was a profound influence. When Joel's mother passed away, while Joel was in college, he isolated himself and began practicing 12-to 16 hours a day. Practicing was the only comfort for him at this time.
Joel attended Northeastern University in Chicago and worked on a MS in Ed. He was nine hours short of receiving the degree when he decided to leave Chicago. Joel did receive an MS in Education with an endorsement in Reading at Old Dominion University in 1975. He married Nancy Osterhaus (now Futterman). His children are Demian (b.1973) and Eupheni (b. 1977). Joel began to play with Chicago musicians. From 1964 to 1969, Joel played bebop and other forms of jazz in various settings. In 1970 Joel began to musically interact with some members of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Music (AACM). Joel favors such pioneers as Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Eric Dolphy.
In 1972, Joel and Nancy moved to Virginia, where he resides today. Since jod first album in 1980, his recordings have included a number of jazz legends, such as Jimmy Lyons, Richard Davis, Hal Russell, and others. In 1994, photographer Michael Wilderman introduced Joel to Edward 'Kidd' Jordan, and since then Joel has enjoyed many rewarding musical collaborations with Kidd and his partner, drummer Alvin Fielder.
Recordings:
Cafeteria (1979); The End Is The Beginning (1980); In-Between Position(s) (1982); Inner Conversations (1984); Inneraction (1984); Passage (1984); Moments (1985); Vision In Time (1988); Inner Conversations 1990 (1990); Naked Colors (1990); Berlin Images (1991); To The Edge (1991); Silhouettes (1995); Love Remembered; Nickelsdorf Konfrontation (1995); Revelation (1995); Alabama (1995); New Orleans Rising (1996); Alvin Fielder/ 'Kidd' Jordan/ Joel Futterman (1996); Southern Extreme (1997); Authenticity (1998); Relativity (1998); New Orleans Festival Suite (1999); Who Are You (1999); Paul Murphy/Joel Futterman Quartet (2000); As Of Now (2000); Interview (2000); The Present Gift (2001); Lifeline (2001); Sweet Silence (2000); Live At Tampere (2000); Paul Murphy/Joe Futterman Duet (2001); Live At Noe Valley (2002); Dyami (2002); Enarre
Unissued recordings:
Albert's Bells (Joel Futterman remembering Albert Ayler (1995); Revelation Set 2(Joel Futterman, 'Kidd' Jordan (1995); Alvin Fielder, Joel Futterman, 'Kidd' Jordan (1996); Bradford Concerts (10 recordings- Joel Futterman/ Jimmy Williams (1999-2000); New Orleans Improvisational Arts ('Kidd' Jordan, Joel Futterman, Alvin Fielder, William Parker, Elton Heron, Clyde Kerr (2002); Mapleshade Recordings: Joel Futterman/ 'Kidd' Jordan Duet (1995), Joel Futterman, 'Kidd' Jordan, Alvin Fielder (1997), Joel Futterman Remembers Eric Dolphy (1993), 15 Compositions In The Moment (1993), Solo Moments (Joel Futterman 12 recordings), Joel Futterman/Paul Murphy Duets (5 recordings)
Television and radio broadcasts:
WTKR TV Norfolk (Performance) (1981)
WNUR Northwestern University (1990) (Hal Russell, Joel Futterman Interview
Sweden Public Radio (1992)
Berkley Radio KPFA (Interview Joel Futterman, Ike Levin, Kash Killion (2002)
New Orleans W (Interview Joel Futterman, 'Kidd' Jordan, Alvin Fielder (1996
Norfolk WHRO Public Radio (1986, 87)
Berlin Radio (1992)
Tampere, Finland Radio (2000)
Bibliography:
Joel Futterman, Creative Patterns (a book about the creative process and improvisation) 1973.
Idem, The Design (a mystery that deals with existentialism and the ability to become conscious) 1995
Down Beat
Coda (July/ August 1992 ISSUE 244
Cadence (March 1992 Vol.18 No.3
University of Chicago Weekly (1970)
Virginia Pilot 1984)
Virginia Ledger Star (1984)
Chicago Tribune
The Windy City Times (April 23,1992)
Chicago Reader (April 24, 1992)
Village Voice
Jazz Forum (1992)
Jazz Beat (1993)
Berlin News (1993)
Halmstad Post (July, 1994)
The Leader Within, interview
Websites:
http://abstractguitar.com/presskit.htm
jazzvisionsphotos.com
Contact information:
Fax: 757-464-0627
E-Mail jf430@earthlink.net
futtermanlevingroup.com
