Looking for New Music from The Willie Jones III All-Stars? Hear the latest from these famous jazz musicians on the November 24th episode of Jazz Unlimited. Learn more about it on our blog.
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When he left behind his hometown of Los Angeles in 1997 and moved to New York City, Willie Jones III knew it wouldn’t be easy to make his living as a jazz musician. Now, over ten years later, he has become one of the jazz capital’s best drummers.
The New York Times published an article on November 10, 2019 featuring Jones and exploring what a typical Sunday looks like for the busy jazz musician.
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Downbeat magazine wrote a fantastic piece on our very own Willie Jones III. The 49- year-old drummer, who just sold out two shows at the famous Blues Alley nightclub in Washington, D.C, had this to say about his new album My Point Is… (WJ3):
“The common ground for these musicians is that they all love to play in a style that some would call hard-bop or straight ahead—what I’d call real jazz. Real jazz to me has the rhythmic feel of swinging. You can improvise, but change the rhythm base, and the style is different. It’s great if blues is in it, but there doesn’t necessarily have to be. The groove basis for jazz is the ride cymbal. If I want to play r&b or funk, then the emphasis will be on the backbeat with the snare drum and hi-hat. I can do that.”
The high-ranking jazz drummer, who is currently touring across the United States and Europe, is best known for his time performing with the Roy Hargrove’s quintet. Willie Jones III is also well respected in the jazz industry.
Ted Panken, the writer of the three-page spread on Willie Jones III, dives into discussing everything from Jones’ ideas on the future of jazz, how he handles booking gigs, being a bandleader and running his own recording studio WJ3 Records, as well as Jones’ major musical influences in his life.
For those looking to read more about Willie Jones III and discover how a top-tier jazz artist lives and works in our modern age, head over to DownBeat.com and read Willie Jones III Merges Swing and Swagger by Ted Panken!
Willie Jones III Quintet @ Blues Alley
On February 27 the Willie Jones III Quintet will be performing at the world-renowned Blues Alley. Few venues have the history and vibe as this DC club. Founded in 1965, Blues Alley is the oldest continuing jazz supper club in the nation, and it has all the grit and clout to prove it. Walking down the alley to the club sets the tone for the experience that Blues Alley has become.
Located in Georgetown, Blues Alley resides in an 18th-century red brick carriage house that only adds to the appeal for concert goers. The air inside the club changes your perspective of time and space. Blues Alley makes you feel like you are in the 1920s and 30s listening to great jazz musicians. It has featured such amazing artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Grover Washington Jr., Ramsey Lewis, Charlie Byrd, Maynard Ferguson, and Eva Cassidy. Blues Alley is open seven days a week and is also known for its extraordinary menu, specializing in authentic Creole cuisine, steak, and seafood dishes creating a food pallet that compliments the music perfectly.
Willie Jones III Quintet with Ralph Moore, a well-respected saxophonist, Eddie Henderson, a popular trumpet player, Alex Claffy, a young and extremely talented bassist, Victor Gould, a prominent pianist, will be performing at Blues Alley on February 27th. Willie Jones III is known for his musical brilliance and style on the drums. He has made a name for himself through his exceptional control, speed and texture he brings to the drums. He has performed, toured, and recorded with Horace Silver, Roy Hargrove, Hank Jones, Cedar Walton, and Herbie Hancock to name a few. Jones also played on Arturo Sandoval’s Grammy-winning album Hot House (1998). Willie Jones III fits perfectly with other greats who have played the famous Blues Alley.
This concert is a fantastic opportunity to see a tremendous group of musicians at a world-renowned club. The Willie Jones III Quintet on the 27th will be another example of the extraordinary talent that performs at the great Blues Alley. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.bluesalley.com/events.cfm.
Blog post written by Michael Brigger, published by Jeffrey Swan
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Drummer Willie Jones III is best experienced front row, and “full throttle.” His latest release is Groundwork featuring compositions by Cedar Walton, Eric Reed and Buster Williams.
When Willie was still living in LA, Billy Higgins told him: “Don’t wait for somebody else to decide when you are ready to be a leader.” Well… Willie is now one of the world’s leading jazz drummers and a brilliant leader.
Eric Reed says: “Willie has a west-coast swagger to his swing that isn’t lackadaisical and a New York edge that isn’t overwhelming. There is nothing academic about Willie on the bandstand.” With the band Willie has put together for this gig, we will be hearing what Willie calls… Straight-Swingin’-Real-Jazz!
Willie Jones III, drums
Eric Reed, piano
Ralph Moore, tenor saxophone
Mike Olmos, trumpet
Mike Gurrola, bass
ORDER TICKETS HERE: https://jazzbakery.org/events/willie-jones-iii-wj3
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