Charles Farrell; Boxing Manager and World-Class Jazz Pianist Announces New Book and Two Rare Public Performances
(Boston) An incredibly rare treat for both music lovers and boxing fans as world renowned improvisational pianist Charles Farrell announces two live performances and a new book. Farrell is regarded as one of the top pianists worldwide, frequently playing with jazz greats like Ornette Coleman and Evan Parker.
The shows, in Portland, ME on March 8 and Boston on March 9th mark some of the first public performances by Farrell in more than 40 years. In addition to his Jazz career, Farrell was also a boxing manager and fight fixer for the Mob. He has put together a collection of stories about some of the fascinating personalities he encountered in the boxing world in a new book, The Legend of Mitch “Blood” Green and Other Boxing Essays. The book will be released on March 25th followed by a special book launch event with Farrell and Green on March 30th at 7:00 PM at the Booksmith in Brookline, MA.
Who is Charles Farrell:
It is a bit of an understatement to say that Charles Farrell has lived an interesting life. He first put his fingers on a piano keyboard when he was 3, was playing electric bass in a rock band at 10, started listening to jazz at 11 or 12, and began playing it professionally at 12. In the 1960s, as a teenager, he performed in Mob clubs across New England. He played with big names but gave up performing publicly at age 27 and went into his next career… fixing boxing matches for the Mob. He managed dozens of fighters, including former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks and former gang leader Mitch “Blood” Green, who famously went toe-to-toe with Mike Tyson in the ring and in the street. Farrell ran afoul of New York mobsters in the 1990s and retreated to the mountains of Puerto Rico, coming home only after an infamous boxing legend brokered his safe return. When he retired from the boxing world he got back into music (he plays improvisational piano). Rarely performing in public, Charles prefers the quiet of his living room, playing concerts with jazz living legends like Evan Parker, whom Charles has recorded six albums. Despite his lack of public performances, Charles is still considered a world class talent, known for his incredible improvisational skills.
Piano Performances:
Those skills will be on display in March as Farrell performs two rare public recitals. The first will be on March 8, 2025, at the Portland Conservatory of Music in Portland, ME. Farrell will be joined by New York City based pianist, composer and improviser Russ Lossing. Lossing has composed over 400 works, has released 22 albums as leader and is featured on over 60 other CDs as sideman and collaborator with world acclaimed musicians. Tickets are available now at Porttix.com.
The second show will be March 9, 2025, at Fraser performance studio at GBH in Boston. This performance will feature readings by authors Carlo Rotella and James Parker as Farrell and Lossing improvise a piano accompaniment. Acclaimed pianist Jenny Tang will perform a piece by Hungarian composer György Ligeti as Lossing and Farrell improvise over the score. The concert will also feature the premiere of Farrell’s composition Miles in the 60s. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite.
The Legend of Mitch “Blood” Green and Other Boxing Essays:
Additionally, Farrell is also releasing a new book. In The Legend of Mitch “Blood” Green and Other Boxing Essays, published by Hamilcar Publications, Farrell captures life in the boxing business from its deepest interior. He offers a unique look at Mitch “Blood” Green, the New York gang leader and heavyweight fighter that took Mike Tyson the distance and then later fought him in the street. Farrell also offers additional portraits of characters as wide-ranging as Donald Trump, Floyd Patterson (his former business partner), Bert Cooper, Charley Burley, Peter McNeeley, and Muhammad Ali. The book will be released on March 25, and available online and at major retailers. Farrell and Mitch Green will be on hand for a special book launch event at the Booksmith in Brookline, MA on March 30th at 7:00 PM. Tickets for the launch are available through Eventbrite.
