A wake for ELVIN RAY JONES will be held on Tuesday, May 25, from 6-9 p.m. ET at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home at 1076 Madison Avenue in New York. This is a private gathering — only close friends and family members will be allowed to attend. Among ELVIN’s survivors are his brother, Hank, a jazz pianist, and his wife, Keiko, who often managed his career.
Last Tuesday (May 18), ELVIN JONES — dubbed "Emperor Jones" by jazz drummer Max Roach — died at an Englewood, N.J. hospital of heart failure. He was 76. ELVIN was a renowned jazz drummer and a member of John Coltrane's quartet from 1960 to 1965. He also played alongside Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. ELVIN performed on John Coltrane's 1963 album A Love Supreme, which, IMHO, is one of the greatest jazz albums of all time.
Jay Smooth of hiphopmusic.com recently posted a loving tribute to the Emperor. The post includes remembrances from drummer Warren Smith, a founding member of Max Roach's M'Boom, and John Coltrane biographer Bill Cole.
BTW, Warren Smith writes that ELVIN JONES' name must be in full caps when talking about the legendary drummer in a musical context. So as it is written, it shall be done.
ELVIN's passing also was felt across the blogsphere:
Blogger Jeremy Brown called ELVIN "godlike" but down to earth. While writer Fairest reveals that he "learned [how] to have sex by listening to Elvin Jones play drums on record."
[It's a poly-rhythmic thang, you wouldn't understand.]
Also, music lovers/bloggers Al Boogie, Ehavoc, Jeffrey Hyatt, METALFACE and the Proprietor all gave props to the legendary drummer in recent posts, as well.
Finally, check out this very detailed — meaning long — tribute to the Emperor by the Freep's music writer Mark Stryker, which includes a discography of ELVIN's most popular works.
You also can listen to some of ELVIN's Blue Note recordings from 1968-1973 right HERE.
Emperor Jones' musical legacy is truly a love supreme.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
Thanks Trent, very fine roundup
2 - Brady
Elvin was a true standout original genius in a genre that demands technical and creative supremacy. He is one of my all time faves. I, along with many of you will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Elvin.