A number of years ago, I visited a cousin of my grandmother in the SF area. Don't remember how it came up, but she shared a story with me about that she and Elvin had dated and lived together for a while in NYC in the 50's. I was really shocked and in awe of this connection I suddenly had to a man who in my imagination was this kind of mythical other-worldly musical giant. Thank you for sharing your personal memories of your father.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr Elvin Jones in 2000, he was graceful and articulate, humble and tolerant, a true gentlemen and remains an inspiration to this day. His photo with me takes pride of place above my drums in my practice shed.
Two Elvin Jones stories. I was gigging in Toronto, around 1971 and Elvin with Joe Farrell were playing an afternoon gig at a club. I went down and sat near the back of the room. Farrell began playing a gorgeous solo introduction and I closed my eyes and listened. At the end of the intro he went into My Ship, I opened my eyes and was smiling. When I looked up, Elvin was looking straight at me and smiling. Around 1979, I was living and gigging in L.A., had a night off and went to hear Elvin at Memory Lane. There were 2 tenor players in the band and Andy McCloud on bass. I was sitting next to the aisle about 1/2 way down the club. After the set, Elvin walked down the aisle, came straight up to me and put his out for me to shake. Did he really remember me from Toronto? I didn't get to talk to him so I don't know. Elvin Jones was a very special human being.
I had a similar experience with Joe Farrell, He held a workshop at the local University and then played a Club date. He came right up to our table after his set, and chatted with me and my piano brother Phil from Philadelphia. They can certainly zone in on who is really getting the Message.
Elvin Jones Interview - 8/18/1990 at Newport Jazz Festival 1:20 Coltrane 2:35 inspirations 3:50 poly rhythm 5:03 japan and jazz 6:15 electric vs. acoustic jazz 7:55 Elvin’s first gig 8:51 Elvin’s heros: Wynton Marsalis
I loved your fathers playing , he was really something special. I grew up in Detroit and I found out much later that he was from Pontiac , Michigan. I got hear him play with Trane at the Minor Key Lounge in Detroit back in the 60s, but I wasn’t old enough to get in the bar so I just stood outside by the front door and could hear him play through the door. I was just a kid then about 16 or 17 years old and I was so excited to hear one of my most favorite drummers of all time play. I’m also a drummer and was inspired by you fathers playing like many many other drummers. I’ll never forget that night listening to the great Elvin Jones.
The thing is his sound. You hear Mr Jones play a few bars and you know it is him. Then to be always with the music, slow, fast, soft hard.... not only does he drive himself but drives the music to a different higher levels
He is one of the warmest jazz legends I have ever had the privilege to have seen. (around 1988) His almost childlike friendliness with small/club audiences was joyful to experience. He actually said he almost cancelled because of his corns.... He said "They are KILLING me". He played flawlessly that evening. I won't ever forget that night.
One of the three great Jones Brothers!! What a gift to the music that family is!! I look at Elvin and his warm smile and it brings to mind Hank and Thad, two other brothers I have had a good fortune to know as well.
I ask you young folks in current time: who do you have to match this? Who do you bring to the table with this kind of artistry, humility, knowledge and power?
It's ironic that as Elvin is talking - around 7:30 - what is going on behind him is more rock than Jazz. Jazz musicians have always had to cope with a lot.
@@vova47 Maybe Traveling man should have put it differently, but you definitely should have put your comment differently. No need to be nasty. Didn't you learn anything from Elvin?
My father was so humble and kind.
Wish there were more interviews of him here. Loved listen to him talk about music tonight.
A number of years ago, I visited a cousin of my grandmother in the SF area. Don't remember how it came up, but she shared a story with me about that she and Elvin had dated and lived together for a while in NYC in the 50's. I was really shocked and in awe of this connection I suddenly had to a man who in my imagination was this kind of mythical other-worldly musical giant. Thank you for sharing your personal memories of your father.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr Elvin Jones in 2000, he was graceful and articulate, humble and tolerant, a true gentlemen and remains an inspiration to this day. His photo with me takes pride of place above my drums in my practice shed.
Beautiful cat. And a genius. I miss him.
amen, sir.
Two Elvin Jones stories. I was gigging in Toronto, around 1971 and Elvin with Joe Farrell were playing an afternoon gig at a club. I went down and sat near the back of the room. Farrell began playing a gorgeous solo introduction and I closed my eyes and listened. At the end of the intro he went into My Ship, I opened my eyes and was smiling. When I looked up, Elvin was looking straight at me and smiling. Around 1979, I was living and gigging in L.A., had a night off and went to hear Elvin at Memory Lane. There were 2 tenor players in the band and Andy McCloud on bass. I was sitting next to the aisle about 1/2 way down the club. After the set, Elvin walked down the aisle, came straight up to me and put his out for me to shake. Did he really remember me from Toronto? I didn't get to talk to him so I don't know. Elvin Jones was a very special human being.
I had a similar experience with Joe Farrell, He held a workshop at the local University and then played a Club date. He came right up to our table after his set, and chatted with me and my piano brother Phil from Philadelphia. They can certainly zone in on who is really getting the Message.
After watching his interviews is very easy to understand why he was so creative playing drums, he is really smart.
Elvin Jones Interview - 8/18/1990 at Newport Jazz Festival
1:20 Coltrane
2:35 inspirations
3:50 poly rhythm
5:03 japan and jazz
6:15 electric vs. acoustic jazz
7:55 Elvin’s first gig
8:51 Elvin’s heros: Wynton Marsalis
Wonderful. Great to hear Elvin again.
I love listening to Elvin speak , always so cool . Legend.
Elvin left this world a better place. Every time I sit at a set a drums I play something "Elvin-ish"
I loved your fathers playing , he was really something special. I grew up in Detroit and I found out much later that he was from Pontiac , Michigan. I got hear him play with Trane at the Minor Key Lounge in Detroit back in the 60s, but I wasn’t old enough to get in the bar so I just stood outside by the front door and could hear him play through the door. I was just a kid then about 16 or 17 years old and I was so excited to hear one of my most favorite drummers of all time play. I’m also a drummer and was inspired by you fathers playing like many many other drummers. I’ll never forget that night listening to the great Elvin Jones.
Elvin was such an interesting man and a great drummer. i love to hear him speak.
The thing is his sound. You hear Mr Jones play a few bars and you know it is him. Then to be always with the music, slow, fast, soft hard.... not only does he drive himself but drives the music to a different higher levels
He is one of the warmest jazz legends I have ever had the privilege to have seen. (around 1988) His almost childlike friendliness with small/club audiences was joyful to experience. He actually said he almost cancelled because of his corns.... He said "They are KILLING me". He played flawlessly that evening. I won't ever forget that night.
One of the three great Jones Brothers!! What a gift to the music that family is!!
I look at Elvin and his warm smile and it brings to mind Hank and Thad, two other brothers I have had a good fortune to know as well.
What a gentleman. A class act.
I ask you young folks in current time: who do you have to match this? Who do you bring to the table with this kind of artistry, humility, knowledge and power?
SeerTrulth Marcus Gilmore
@@bobduckens2265 absolutely agree: Marcus Gilmore is up there - supreme drummer with radiant intellect, like Elvin
John Riley for sure
Elvin was the best!!! thanks for posting that interview!
He was right about Newport Jazz Festival, and I’m glad the interviewer asked.
one of the 5 greatest drummers who ever
LOOKED at a set of drums......
Who are the other 4?
Keith Moon, John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, and Ginger Baker?
@@delphinbringsby6768 no
@@ramengang7565 ya no lol
I don't think Mr. Jones took too kindly to being placed upon Coltrane's coattails
It's ironic that as Elvin is talking - around 7:30 - what is going on behind him is more rock than Jazz.
Jazz musicians have always had to cope with a lot.
Thats not really ”rock” music on the background…
How many are stupid enough to think he was just a musical savant and not concerned with racism globally?
Traveling man what?
Traveling man - You mean Elvin wasn't one of the race baiting clowns like yourself? He was concerned with MUSIC and drums and THAT is his legacy!
@@vova47 Maybe Traveling man should have put it differently, but you definitely should have put your comment differently. No need to be nasty. Didn't you learn anything from Elvin?