A Tribute to Jazz Drummer Jo Jones (1911-1985)

Jo Jones was one of the most inventive drummers the world of jazz ever had. His imagination had no limit and enabled him to improve the most unexpected rhythmic figures, the most audacious ones, in a smooth and talented manner that is just incredible. The delicacy of his touch allowed him to draw unique sounds from his cymbals and toms, provoking the admiration of amateurs and professionals alike and he has inspired a considerable number of drummers.

Chicagoan Jonathan “Jo” Jones (1917-200?) went to Alabama at the age of 13, where he started as a musician and dancer. He joined Count Basie’s orchestra in February 1934, in Kansas City.

Jo recalled KC as “a town where some places never closed. Just by the time you got to bed -- about 6 p.m. -- you could possibly be woken up by the musicians of a traveling band stopping into town for a few hours. They would ask you to take part in a ‘jam session.’ Not one of those jam sessions where everyone tries to outdo the other but, on the contrary, one where everyone would bring in new ideas, would develop and improve them, thanks to the unexpected contact. These jam sessions were also a form of relaxation after the day-to-day work.”

Jo Jones became famous among musicians when Basie’s orchestra went to New York in December 1936. Jo stayed with Basie for 12 years, except for two years when he was called up. After Jo had left Basie in 1948, he started touring with “Jazz at the Philharmonic,” with whom he went to Europe, and Illinois Jacquet’s group. Jo Jones then settled in New York heading his own trio and doing numerous concerts and recordings.

Since 1969 Jones had teamed up with Milt Buckner, making frequent and successful tours throughout Europe. This video clip of the two of them in Biarritz, France, during July 1969 comes from French director Louis Panassié’s 1972 film “l’Aventure du Jazz.”