In five years with Basie (1967-72) Harold Jones made 15 Albums, including "Basie Straight Ahead", which was the first with new arranger Sammy Nestico. The band recorded the whole album in first takes (!), and it has been a primary source for the repertoire of big bands ever since. He went on to work ten years for Sarah Vaughan and many others. Harold said "I want to bring the Basie swing style back to the music world." (from an interview in Drummer World Magazine)
Harold could drive a freight train. I saw the band live once and sat at the end of the bandstand, less than 10 feet from Harold and Basie. Totally blew my mind. It was in Ft. Lauderdale, just three years after this recording. He had switched to Slingerland drums.
Thanks for posting. Man, he had to follow Sonny Payne; but I think he was better. So much power! He's still playing with Tony Bennett. A friend in San Fran sold him a car a few months back.
Drummer's Resource Harold Jones played on all the tunes of the Tony Bennet Duets album. Musicians and the orchestras were changed according to the tunes and singers - but it was always Harold on drums. Could you please ask him for an explanation?. My favourite is that small break of his on the Sarah Basie "Just Friends" on the second chorus. A lesson for any big band drummer.
Hi Roy. Good observation. I truly believe that it’s the drummer who brings out the best of any particular brand. Buddy Rich was once quoted as saying that the drums he had used over the years were not up to the claims made by the makers.
In five years with Basie (1967-72) Harold Jones made 15 Albums, including "Basie Straight Ahead", which was the first with new arranger Sammy Nestico. The band recorded the whole album in first takes (!), and it has been a primary source for the repertoire of big bands ever since. He went on to work ten years for Sarah Vaughan and many others. Harold said "I want to bring the Basie swing style back to the music world." (from an interview in Drummer World Magazine)
H.J.!!! Swings a groove so deep a crane can't get you out! And that punctuation!!! One of the baddest, coolest cats of all time!
BRILLIANT,LIKE BRASSSTARS ON THE BLACK AND WHITE SUNS DRUMMING AROUND
Can you imagine the pressure for a drummer to play well for the Basie band? These guys have played with the best.
Agree totally. But that´s the difference between talent and virtuosity. The higher the pressure: the more the groove flows. Monster
Harold could drive a freight train. I saw the band live once and sat at the end of the bandstand, less than 10 feet from Harold and Basie. Totally blew my mind. It was in Ft. Lauderdale, just three years after this recording. He had switched to Slingerland drums.
Got to meet Harold and hear him play in 2021 Covid times. Cat will swing forever!
Harold Jones can SWING and DRIVE!
Harold Jones is the MAN!!!!!!!
Saw the Count twice in the seventies and got his autograph! Harold Jones was his drummer - great.
one of the true greats. beautiful cat also
Love this Bobby Harrison tune!
The (truly) great Harold Jones, brother of the legendary Blues Hammond B3 player Deacon Jones (Curtis Mayfield, Freddie King, John Lee Hooker)
Harold Jones playing on a Premier drum kit made in England. So did a few other American drummers at the time.
A lot of American drummers were using Premier and Sonar when touring in Europe and both brands work well for Jazz.
Thanks for posting. Man, he had to follow Sonny Payne; but I think he was better. So much power! He's still playing with Tony Bennett. A friend in San Fran sold him a car a few months back.
OHHHHH YESSSSSSS!!!!!!
The title is Hittin' Twelve
Live in Stockholm 1968
Harold knows where the foor is
I just did an hour interview with Harold, which I will be posting to DrummersResource.com very soon.
Drummer's Resource Harold Jones played on all the tunes of the Tony Bennet Duets album. Musicians and the orchestras were changed according to the tunes and singers - but it was always Harold on drums. Could you please ask him for an explanation?. My favourite is that small break of his on the Sarah Basie "Just Friends" on the second chorus. A lesson for any big band drummer.
Idaho on Atomic Basie Mr. Jones smokin. Couldnt make out the drum mfr on the bass drum.
What is the name of the tune?
Hittn' Twelve
A top American drummer using English Premier drums.
Not common back then.
Hi Roy. Good observation. I truly believe that it’s the drummer who brings out the best of any particular brand. Buddy Rich was once quoted as saying that the drums he had used over the years were not up to the claims made by the makers.
gene goe lead trumpet.
ISSO É JAZZ, O RESTO É LIXO, NÉ FUSION.