elvin jones
...ticing 8 to 10 hours a day. He would carry a pair of drumsticks everywhere he went. Elvin’s early influences were Kenny Clark, Max Roach, Jo Jones, and the American Legion Drum Corps. Elvin’s first professional job was at Grand River Street. After losing his job, he became a frequent at the Bluebird Inn, where he was often asked to sit in, but always refused the offer. In 1960, Jones joined the John Coltrane quartet. Although Jones didn’t like playing with other drummers, he was paired Rashied Ali. The quartet fell apart when its leader decided to pursue experimental music. In 1966, Jones joined up with Duke Ellington but left after a few days. Since then he has led iconoclastic lineups usually without brass and keyboards. Jones also led clinics, and did free p...