Joel Futterman (born April 30, 1946 in Chicago) is an American jazz pianist and soprano saxophonist. A native of Chicago, Joel Futterman was influenced both musically and philosophically by Gene Shaw, with whom he worked with and studied for a few years. Futterman was also influenced by Joseph Schwarzbaum, a writer, poet, and philosopher, as well as his brother Ronald. His influences include Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Eric Dolphy. Futterman is the author of three books.