Papa Jo Jones (not to be confused with Philly Joe Jones) was one of the forefathers of the drumset, on the front lines of the instrument’s evolution. It’s cool to me that the drumset is young enough as an instrument for footage to exist of founders like Jones.
Observations:
– Check out Jones’ performance faces. He’s making a lot of them, and NONE are the “oh wow I’m in so much pain because I’m such a deeply artistic person” thing that is so common currently. But somehow his playing is still cool. I’m not saying that his facial expressions here are any better than the artsy ones, but at least it’s clear that his expressions are coming from a performer’s mentality, rather than a pretentious mentality.
– Lots of old school jazz drum solos quickly become simply a rudiment demonstration. Jones uses plenty of rudiments, but always to form musical phrases. Playing rudiments is never the purpose of playing drums.
– Speaking of Jones’ phrasing, check out how “hooky” so much of it is. He’s demonstrating well what most guys are trying to describe when they wrongly use the term “melodic.” There’s a ton of storytelling going on in this solo.
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May 10, 2013 at 7:58 am
Dan Noraker
Louie Bellson, who was a massive influence in my beginning drumming days, was always referencing Papa Joe. I have a live album of Bellson and his big band from the mid-90s and you can hear him during a drum solo when he’s using brushes say “Joe Jones!” Thanks for posting this!
May 10, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Bill R
Papa Joe is always just so much fun to watch. He just looks like he’s having fun playing. As we all should be.
Many drum solos bore me to no end. Musical drum solos like Papa Joe’s are always interesting to me. So glad you posted some PJJ stuff. He always makes me feel good.
Have a weekend!
May 10, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Bill R
This one will make your fingers hurt… 😉