Biography
In 1947 he became the house drummer at Café Society in New York City, where he played with the leading bebop players of the day. Among them, the most important influence on Jones was Tadd Dameron. Jones toured and recorded with Miles Davis Quintet from 1955 to 1958 – a band that became known as "The Quintet" (along with Red Garland on piano, John Coltrane on sax, and Paul Chambers on bass). Miles acknowledged that Jones was his favorite drummer In his autobiography, Davis mentions that he would always listen for Jones in other drummers.
From 1958 onwards Jones worked as a leader, but continued to work as a sideman with other musicians, including Bill Evans and Hank Mobley. Evans also openly admitted that Philly Joe was his all-time favorite drummer. For two years (1967–69) he taught at a specially organized school in Hampstead, London, but was prevented from otherwise working in the UK by the Musicians' Union.
From 1981 he helped to found the group Dameronia, dedicated to the music of the composer Tadd Dameron, and led it until his death. He also played in two movies.
Read more about this topic: Philly Joe Jones
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