Fred Farell began singing professionally during his military service in the United States and in Europe, but his love for music and expression range much longer. Farell’s musical training includes jazz vocal improvisation with pianist and composer Richard Beirach, private voice studies with Cynthia Hoffman and Larry Chelsi in New York, at which time he was enrolled at The City College of New York in Vocal Jazz studies under the instruction of master jazz Vocalist Sheila Jordan.

During the 1970’s and early 1980’s, Farell could be found appearing as a solo artist or group leader in New York City at loft galleries and in Jazz clubs alike. This included return engagements at both “Sweet Basil” and “Greene Street” during which time he was an artist and member of Cobi Narita’s “Universal Jazz Coalition”.

As a featured soloist, as well as an ensemble singer, Farell has performed at Lincoln Center, The Museum of Modern Art, Brooklyn Academy of Music, WBAI Radio, The Kitchen, and Symphony Space, to name a few. Farell has worked with jazz masters such as late saxophonist Dexter Gordon, pianists Barry Harris, Albert Dailey, and Kenny Barron; bassists such as the late Herman Wright, Ratzo Harris, and Rufus Reid. Pioneer vocal artist and educator Jay Clayton (“The Voice Group”) and “Natural Sound” director pianist and composer Kirk Nurock.

Following a spiritual awakening in 1978, Farell began to utilize the creative expression of Jazz to present and minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the 1980’s. The singer presented the music and his original lyrics with pianist-composer Jeff Kruh to local churches and coffee houses. For over four years, Farell was a featured soloist with the instrumental and vocal Gospel jazz group Eternity led by Don Hanson, the saxophonist and composer.

Farell has appeared on the Queens Public Cable TV Network; ministered in New York City at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for it’s Jazz Vespers Service; as well as in numerous churches throughout the New York area, and has been a featured artist at “Samantha’s Little Bit of Heaven” coffeehouse in East Northport, Long Island.

Presently, the singer ministers as leader of the Gospel Jazz group “JazzLite”, in various instrumental settings, depending upon the venue he is presented in. Notably, he will feature world-class pianists and composers such as Jeff Kruh and Joel Weiskopf. Farell’s most recent album “Distant Song” features world-renowned artists Dave Liebman and Richie Beirach.