originally published on MiamiArtZine.com
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by Michelle F. Solomon
December 30, 2019
Whether you are a drummer or someone who just wants to sit in the midst of a great musician and learn how they hone their technique, The South Beach Jazz Festival is having a free (yes, free!) master class with Jonathan Joseph on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m.
“I wrote this book called ‘Exercises in American Funk.’ ” The book features techniques about ancient rhythms among other techniques and for drummers, Joseph says, it gives detailed information on how drummers can apply these techniques to their playing. But even if you’re not a skilled drummer, attending Joseph’s master class will be an exercise in a mind blowing musical experience. The book is a series of exercises that focus on helping drummers from the Americas understand the true nature of West African drumming. It primarily deals with two rhythms, bikutsi and mangambe.
“The book idea was to concentrate on the fusions between the ancient beats along with modern funk, shuffle and jazz. That’s how exciting modern, musical drumming is.”
Joseph has quite a background. For one, he’s toured and recorded with some of the greats. Al Jarreau, Mike Stern, Bill Evans, and toured Asia with Ricky Martin and was asked back for Martin’s Livin La Vida Loca tour.
Joseph tells me he started playing drums in church growing up in Miami. “My family was responsible for all the musician our gospel church. So, when I was four or fives year old, I saw this guy playing drums and I decided at that moment that’s what I wanted to do. I begged my mom for a drum set and eventually there was a snare drum under the Christmas tree.” Just so happened his mother, Jerlene, was a choir director, which gave him his musical foundation. He began formally playing drums in church services at the age of six. Having such strong progressive roots in gospel during his high school years, Jonathan found it very easy to make the transition from gospel to jazz.
After attending the University of Miami School of Music, he formed and directed a modern jazz band., the Decision, and received his first break in the business when the band was engaged as an opening act for Dizzy Gillespie at Dizzy’s 70th birthday celebration. Joseph was featured as the percussionist in that band. He’s played with so many notables, it would take pages to list them all.
Joseph has worked with a host of legends, including David Sanborn, who headlines this year, the fourth annual, SoBe Jazz Festival. Sanborn performs at the Colony Theatre on Friday night.
Teaching the master class at the jazz fest is such a treat, Joseph says.
“I’ll have a portion of the class where I will have my drum set there and I have recorded music that I play along with as well as give examples of different rhythms. People can bring additional percussion instruments or maybe we’ll have some there and people can come out and experiment with playing.”
I tell him I don’t play drums, but I dabble in guitar and that flute and piano have been my main instruments. He says: “Good, you’re a musician. As great as you can play a melody, if you can’t play it in the right ‘time’ than you’re no good to anyone.”
As far as participating in this year’s SoBe Jazz Festival, he says that he performed at the festival with his dad last year and coming back as a clinician this year is a thrill.
“I love watching how this festival is growing.”
Free for all levels. Registration required at 305 332 2623. Saturday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. At the Miami Beach Community Church, 1620 Drexel Ave., Miami Beach.
More info at South Beach Jazz Festival
