Seth Farber
keyboardist, vocalist, 5-time GRAMMY Nominee and accordion player for the Little Band That Could, has performed with notable musicians including Billy Joel, Lucinda Williams, Roseanne Cash and Odetta. Currently, he plays in Broadway's Beautiful and A Bronx Tale. His credits go beyond the stage and onto the court as a nationally ranked racquetball player! Learn more about Seth in this week's #BandMemberMonday.
"Christmas Peace" featuring Seth Farber on organ and piano.
Q: What is your favorite track on Revvin' Up the Reindeer?
A: "Christmas Peace" sounds so much like a Christmas Carol. I can see the fireplace, and the snow outside!
Q: What were your favorite holiday traditions growing up?
A: We always played and sang Christmas Carols, decorated the tree, and made our own ornaments. No tinsel or store-bought ornaments allowed!
Q: What do you do when you're not playing with the Little Band That Could?
A: I play in many different situations, including Broadway shows.
Currently, I play in "Beautiful" and "A Bronx Tale."
Q: You've performed with a lot of notable musicians including Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Lucinda Williams, Roseanne Cash, Joan Osborne and extensively with Odetta. You also play in a family band with your wife and fellow "Little" Bandmate Liz Queler and son Joey. Is there something significant (a piece of advice, life lesson, etc.) that you took away from working with one or many of these musicians?
A: I spent a lot of time with Odetta and one of my favorite of her quotes (which came from an exchange between us) is this:
“Next time someone gives you a compliment, try to have the good sense to shut up and take it.”
Odetta and Seth Farber performing "Something Inside So Strong." Washington Park, Albany, NY, 2008
Q: Who are your musical inspirations?
A: To name a few, Keith Jarrett, Dr. John, James Booker, Steve Morse, Keith Emerson.
Seth Farber, Live at Le Poisson Rouge - New York City June 1, 2015
"Red Piano Rag"
from the album Just Say Hi! was inspired by Seth's original composition, "Mom's Rag" from his solo album, Late One Night.
Q: You are a nationally-ranked racquetball player. Tell us more!
A: I have been playing competitive racquetball for 30 years. I love the sport for many reasons but certainly one of them is this: you don't have to be big and strong. Fast and smart is better! I still play tournaments, both in this area [NY], and further away, like Minnesota and California.
Left: U.S. Open 2017, Second Place!
Q: What is your best memory with the Little Band That Could?
The Little Band That Could, 2006, Steamboat Springs, CO. Seth Farber, Jeff Allen, Brady Rymer, Liz Queler, Claudia Mussen, Chris Roselli
A: We did a few gigs in Steamboat Springs, CO a few years ago and stayed in a house right across the street from the ski mountain. That was a great few days of skiing, music, and tubing for the kids.
