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Philly Joe Jones

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Philly Joe Jones (1923 to 1985) was an American jazz drummer. His nickname referred to his home town of Philadelphia and avoided confusion with the older drummer Papa Jo Jones. As a child he performed as a tap dancer on a radio programme. In 1947 he became house drummer at Café Society in New York, where he played with the most important bebop musicians of his time, including Tadd Dameron.

Music and breakthrough

His best-known period fell between 1955 and 1958, when he toured and recorded with the Miles Davis Quintet, with Red Garland on piano, John Coltrane on saxophone and Paul Chambers on bass. Davis called him his favourite drummer and wrote in his autobiography that he always went on listening to him in other drummers. Bill Evans, too, openly called him his favourite. From 1958 Jones worked as a bandleader and as an accompanist to Evans and Hank Mobley, among others.

Influence

Between 1967 and 1972 he lived in London and Paris, where he played with Archie Shepp and Mal Waldron. He recorded the album Mo' Joe in London in 1968. In 1981 he founded the group Dameronia, devoted to the music of Tadd Dameron, and led it until his death. He was known for being able to adapt his playing to any group and any soloist. This made him one of the most sought-after drummers of modern jazz.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a track by the Miles Davis Quintet from the years 1955 to 1958 and notice the drumming behind the soloist. Try to hear how the drummer pushes the soloist on with accents on the snare drum.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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See also

Categories: Artists