Philly Joe Jones The “perfect combination of Blakey’s unquenchable fire, Catlett’s melodiousness, and Roach’s subtlety”—such is MD‘s description of Philly Joe Jones. Joe was all of the above, and more, on the 1958 album, Milestones, with Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Red Garland and Paul Chambers, creating many moods ranging from the cool “Miles,” to the fiery “Two Bass Hit.” The most noticeable aspect of Joe’s playing is an incredibly strong and consistent right hand. His cymbal rhythm is always powerful, accurate, and dead center in an almost exact 12/8 interpretation: The strength of Joe’s ride cymbal is even more apparent on “Dr. Jekyll.” The hi-hat’s absence is noticeable only upon close listening. It still swings! Furthermore, Joe has such dynamic control over his cymbal that he’s able to ride over every bass solo without covering Paul Chamber’s efforts. Advertisement Against his strong cymbal, Joe usually places his hi-hat […]

December 1982 Issue