Primary Instrument: Drums
Kevin Jones is an exciting young percussionist that has performed all over the world. Originally from Englewood, NJ, Kevin has been playing professionally since the age of 13 when he worked for All Platinum Records (now Sugar Hill records) in his hometown of Englewood. There he cut percussion tracks for groups like the “Moments” and even toured with some of their recording artists while still in school. At the age of 16 he joined a professional African dance & drum ensemble under the direction of master drummer and dancer, Titos Sompas. It was here that Kevin learned many of the traditional Rhythms and Songs from the Congo. During this period he was also under the tutelage of percussionist Babatunde Lea and Coster Massamba.
Kevin attended the University of Massachusetts where he met Professor Archie Shepp. Shepp encouraged Kevin's musical aspirations and eventually hired him as a percussionist in his band and recorded Archie Shepp live at “Palais de Glace”. Kevin also recorded the same year with Alto Saxophone legend Charles McPherson; an album entitled “Free Bop”.
Kevin then went on to record and tour with R&B legends “The Isley Brothers”. This proved to be one of Kevin's longest lasting gigs, spanning thirteen years. He also had the distinct privilege of touring with world-renowned singer, Whitney Houston.
More recently Kevin, has continued to stick close to his roots of Jazz and Traditional African music by playing and recording with many artists such as Norman Simmons, Joey DeFrancesco, Talib Kibwe, Winard Harper, Babatunde Lea, James Weidman and Clifford Adams. Kevin still can be found playing traditional African music with Malaki Ma Congo Drum and Dance Ensemble.
Besides Performing Kevin is fast becoming an excellent teacher and clinician. He now works for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The Bronx Arts Ensemble, Arts Horizons, Dance Giant Steps and Harlem School of the Arts.
Kevin recorded his own project, “Land of Eternal Tranquil Light”, featuring drummer Marvin “Bugalu” Smith, saxophonist Talib Kibwe, pianist Kelvin Sholar and percussionist Djobi Irie Simon, a recording expressing his commitment to peace and an expression of his untiring faith.
He has recently been back in the studio with an expanded group that has been working regularly around the New York/New Jersey Area. This new effort from Kevin's group Tenth World includes new compositions and arrangements from the band members that intelligently weave and blend Jazz with the rhythmic foundation from African and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Look for a release sometime in spring 2003.
About The Band - Tenth World is a group under the direction of percussionist Kevin Jones that fuses elements of African and Neo African percussive rhythms with Jazz and R&B. The music is a mix of original compositions and motifs by the band members that are fused with standard Jazz compositions.
The primary purpose of having this group is to use the spiritual nature of their music to uplift people and relieve the suffering of everyday life.
Archie Shepp - Archie Shepp ' Live at Palais De Glais'
The Isley Brothers - Once Had Your Lovin'
The Isley Brothers - Who Said?
The Isley Brothers - Inside You
The Isley Brothers - Between the Sheets
Sunrize - Who's Stickin' It?
Isley, Jasper & Isley - Broadway's Closer to Sunset Boulevard
Isley, Jasper & Isley - Caravan of Love
Isley, Jasper & Isley - Different Drummer
Invisible Man's Band - Sunday Afternoon
Randy VanWarmer - The Beat of Love
Clyde Criner - Behind the Sun (featuring Carlos Santana & Marcus Miller)
Chuck McPherson - Chuck McPherson and his Jazz Disciples 'live at the Juke Joint'
George Makinto - Malimba
Clifford Adams - Clifford Adams (untitled)
Kevin Jones - Land of Eternal Tranquil Light"
Joey DeFrancesco - Tribute to Charles Earland
Papa John DeFrancesco - Hip Cake Walk
Brain Horton "Gritty" - It's Like
Kelvin Sholar & Esoterica - Messionik
Kelvin Sholar & Esoterica - Live at the Knitting Factory
Mondre Moffett - Wishbone Suite
Norman Simmons
Marilyn Issac - Fresh Anointing
Babatunde Lea - Soul Pools
Larry Price - From Now Own
Winard Harper Sextet
Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
