Philly Joe Jones


Joseph Rudolph "Philly Joe" Jones was an American jazz drummer. He was noted for being able to adjust his style of playing to allow for any group or individual's needs.
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Biography

Early career

As a child, Jones appeared as a featured tap dancer on The Kiddie Show on the Philadelphia radio station WIP. He was in the US Army during World War II.
In 1947 he became the house drummer at Café Society in New York City, where he played with the leading bebop players of the day, including Tadd Dameron. From 1955 to 1958, Jones toured and recorded with the Miles Davis Quintet – a band that became known as "the Quintet". Davis acknowledged that Jones was his favorite drummer, and stated in his autobiography that he would always listen for Jones in other drummers.
From 1958, Jones worked as a leader, but continued to work as a sideman with other musicians, including Bill Evans and Hank Mobley. Evans, like Davis, also openly stated that Jones was his all-time favorite drummer.

Europe

Between late 1967 and 1972 Jones lived in London and Paris, performing and recording with musicians including Archie Shepp, Mal Waldron and Hank Mobley. For two years Jones taught at a specially organized school in Hampstead, London, but was prevented from otherwise working in the UK by the Musicians' Union. His 1968 album Mo' Joe was recorded in London with local musicians.

Later years

Jones toured with Bill Evans in 1976 and 1978, recorded for Galaxy in 1977–1979, and made studio and live recordings with Red Garland in 1977. In 1981, Jones helped to found the group Dameronia, dedicated to the music of the composer Tadd Dameron, and led it until Jones' death from a heart attack in 1985.

Discography

As sideman

With Chet BakerChet Baker in New York – rec. 1958Chet Baker Introduces Johnny Pace with Johnny Pace – rec. 1958
With Sonny ClarkCool Struttin' Sonny Clark Trio – rec. 1957
With Miles DavisThe Musings of Miles Miles: The New Miles Davis Quintet Cookin' with the Miles Davis Quintet Relaxin' with the Miles Davis Quintet Workin' with the Miles Davis Quintet Steamin' with the Miles Davis Quintet 'Round About Midnight Porgy and Bess Milestones
With Kenny DrewKenny Drew Trio Pal Joey – rec. 1957
With Bill Evans
With Art FarmerArt Farmer Quintet featuring Gigi Gryce Brass Shout
With Red GarlandRed's Good Groove Keystones! Crossings
With Benny GolsonThe Other Side of Benny Golson Benny Golson and the Philadelphians
With Dexter GordonDexter Calling... Landslide – rec. 1961-1962
With Ernie HenrySeven Standards and a Blues Last Chorus
With Elmo HopeThe Elmo Hope Trio Here's Hope! High Hope! Homecoming! Sounds from Rikers Island The Final Sessions – rec. 1966
With Freddie HubbardGoin' Up Hub Cap Here to Stay
With Bobby HutchersonFour Seasons – rec. 1983Good Bait – rec. 1984
With Duke JordanDuke's Artistry The Great Session – rec. 1978
With Abbey LincolnIt's Magic Abbey Is Blue
With Herbie Mann
With Howard McGheeThe Return of Howard McGhee – rec. 1955. reissued as That Bop Thing
With Blue MitchellBig 6 Smooth as the Wind – rec. 1960-1961
With Hank Mobley
With Phineas Newborn Jr.Phineas' Rainbow A World of Piano!
With Sonny RollinsTenor Madness Newk's Time
With Archie SheppBlasé Archie Shepp & Philly Joe Jones
With Clark TerrySerenade to a Bus Seat In Orbit
With others