By Dave Liebman
I would venture to say that most jazz musicians of a certain generation would place Elvin Jones among their favorite all-time artists. Obviously this is for musical reasons, but I think it is equally about charisma, an undeniable presence that Elvin Jones has brought to the music. Some of the words one might use to describe him are joy, strength, intensity, focus, commitment and love.
In fact, when musicians speak about Elvin Jones, it seems the rhetoric elevates to another level of awe and respect. Not to mention that he is probably playing on more than a few of anyone’s “desert island” list of indispensable recordings.
How is it that Elvin Jones can play just quarter notes on the whole drum set with both hands and feet in unison as he might do at times for several choruses and light up the stage and entire audience? Even the casual listener is drawn into his vortex and aura. One only has to look at the expression on his face, the sheer joy and light he spreads with that famous grin of his to realize that this is one very special human being with a power that reaches far beyond the music itself.
