Philly Joe Jones!

And...we're back!

I hope you all had a nice and pleasant summer and now easing back into your Fall routine. I'm now back from my own touring and travels, back in the saddle and finally returning to blogging here at Four on the Floor after a nice decent break.

I thought I would start off the first post of the month with some interesting pieces on the great Philly Joe Jones including:

• Philly Joe's Beat by Nate Chinen

• A piece on the occasion of Philly Joe Jones' centennial by Ethan Iverson

• For Philly Joe Jones by Vinnie Sperrazza

• The Drum History Podcast features a discussion on PJJ with Tim Carman, author of the new book "Philly-ISM":

 

• As always, Quincy Davis offers his insightful commentary and observations:

 

• Ten "must know" PJJ drum solos...

...and (possibly) all of Philly's recorded brush solos compiled here:

 

• Philly Joe Jones and bassist Paul Chambers playing a bass/drums duet on "I'm Confessin":

 

• And finally, a very rare recording of Mr. Jones playing an extended solo piece entitled "Spontaneous Expression": 

Philly Joe Jones has long been a personal favourite and important influence of mine, going back to when I was an 18 year-old, first-year music major at school. His hard swinging style, melodically influenced rudiment derived drum solos and extensive recorded legacy offer us a wealth of music to study, learn from and enjoy. Without a doubt, whenever I listen to Philly Joe Jones I hear and learn something new.