Joe Dyson

Joe Dyson has established himself as one of the most versatile drummers in music. Some of today’s masters of the music refer to him as one of the go-to drummers on the scene, performing with a wide range of artists. Born and raised in New Orleans, Joe started playing music in his family's church at just two years old. After being noticed for his peculiar talent, Joe was placed in the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp where he was shadowed by the late, great clarinetist Alvin Batiste, and his longtime bandleader and mentor, alto saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison. He went on to graduate from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), and earned a Presidential Scholarship to his alma mater Berklee College of Music.

Dyson has shared the stage with GRAMMY Award winners Pat Metheny, Nicholas Payton, Sullivan Fortner, and Jon Batiste; the late great NEA Jazz Masters Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Ellis Marsalis; two-time Edison award winner and five-time GRAMMY-Nominee Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, and many more.

Dyson has been called an artist of subtlety and a master of discretion. His sound conveys a dynamical spontaneity of adventure, bringing the listener on a journey of musical bliss. Joe possesses manual dexterity, while giving a melodic approach to drumming. This notion alone aligns him with a great lineage of lead-drummers. “Joe Dyson brought down the house with a ferocious drum solo that channeled Baby Dodds and Roy Haynes simultaneously.”— Jazzdelapena

As a musician, Joe has traveled across the globe extensively. Having touched almost every continent, he has performed throughout North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa. He has appeared on over 35 albums, including releases by Dr. Lonnie Smith ALL IN MY MIND, (Blue Note Universal Records), Sullivan Fortner's ARIA (Impulse Universal Records) and Christian aTunde Adjuah's GRAMMY Nominated EMANCIPATION PROCRASTINATION (Ropeadope Records).

Joe has made appearances on the HBO hit series TREME, and can be seen performing in the documentary titled Been In The Storm Too Long, hosted by Tavis Smiley. He can also be heard on the movie soundtrack Rachel Getting Married, by the late, Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme.

In addition to recording and touring, Joe has taught combos, master classes, and given lectures throughout the U.S. and Europe. More notable places include The New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music; NOCCA Riverfront; and Södra Latin (Sweden). He is also apart of the collegiate roster at Tulane University as Adjunct Professor.

After many years of touring the globe and recording with the likes of Nicholas Payton, Donald Harrison, and Dr.

Lonnie Smith, as well as appearing at festivals such as North Sea, Newport, and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Dyson has finally recorded the album he has been wanting to create. His debut album LOOK WITHIN released 2021, combines all of the elements of his musical identity. Pushing the boundaries of typical modern jazz, the laid back and intimate LOOK WITHIN is an emotional and introspective journey that allows us a glimpse into the mind of Joe Dyson. In Joe’s own words: “This record is an honest and earnest approach that gives my full expression to listeners. Most audiences see me as a drummer supporting the main act. Now, you will see, hear, and feel my thoughts through rhythm and melodic vibrations.”

Awards

Berklee's Presidential Scholarship 

DownBeat Rising Star Drums Nomination 22'

OffBeat Awards Best Contemporary Jazz Album Nomination 22'

Gear

Joe Dyson Endorses: Zildjian Cymbals, Canopus Drums, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Evans Drum Heads.