Joe's Delight – Philly Joe Jones
This medium swing is light, breezy, and lovely!
- Recording: Philly Joe Jones - Showcase
- Recorded on: November 17, 1959
- Label: Riverside (RLP 12-313)
- Concert Key: E-flat
- Style: Swing (medium)
- Trombone - Julian Priester
- Tenor Sax - Bill Barron
- Piano - Dolo Coker
- Bass - Jimmy Garrison
- Drums - Philly Joe Jones
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Video
- Drummer Victor Lewis talks about Philly Joe Jones in the jazzleadsheets.com studio.
Don Sickler: "Our audio excerpt starts with the melody, which is preceded on the complete recording by an eight-measure rhythm section intro that is outlined in the C treble clef lead sheet. You'll note that the melody starts light, with drums using brushes alternating from four measures of 2-feel to four measures of 4-feel. At the bridge, listen carefully as Philly Joe switches to sticks, and again after his brief drum break, how he gets back to brushes for the return of the A section. He's not finished switching, as there is an Interlude (with sticks) that leads to a solo break for the first soloist. Obviously, he has to get back to brushes for the out melody, so check out how he does it."
Don continues: "Slick Philly Joe always loved to have the opportunity to switch from sticks to brushes and vice versa. From my own personal experience playing with him, I remember how we musicians would marvel at his ability to make those transitions seamlessly. We would look back at him in astonishment, observing his devilish smile because he knew we had no idea how he made the change. Philly Joe Jones gets my vote as the slickest drummer of all time!"
You can read more about Philly Joe's history in the notes to his composition Joe's Debut, also recorded on the "Showcase" album.
You can read more about Philly Joe's history in the notes to his composition Joe's Debut, also recorded on the "Showcase" album.
Philly Joe Jones
July 15, 1923 – August 30, 1985
Philly Joe Jones was one of the most well-known drummers of his era. A natural comedian, he was a spellbinding storyteller, both in music and in words. Here's a famous example clipPJJ recorded by engineer Rudy Van Gelder before a session. Read more...