Search - Philly Joe Jones :: Drums Around the World: Big Band Sounds

"Drums Around The World" Can't Complete the Trip

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 06/22/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In 1959, Philly Joe Jones was one of jazz's most visible drummers. His nickname, once used simply to distinguish him from big band drummer Jo Jones, now made him immediately identifiable. This was all due to the fact that he was the rhythmic backbone to one of the great working groups of the 50s, the Miles Davis Quintet, and frequent contributor to other classic recordings of the era. The crowning achievement for any sideman was to record albums as a leader, and Philly Joe made some good ones, including "Blues for Dracula." Unfortunately, "Drums Around the World" doesn't quite measure up to its global ambition. Despite the fact, that Philly Joe has assembled some of the best jazzmen of the day -- Cannonball Adderley, Lee Morgan, Herbie Mann, Blue Mitchell, Curtis Fuller, Benny Golson, Wynton Kelly, Sam Jones and Jimmy Garrison -- they are largely confined to playing big band backup roles. Philly Joe also seems to have a bit of Art Blakey-envy on this date, but his solos are too long and frequent, and never fully mesh with the songs. Also, forming a band isn't as simple as hiring great performers, their must also be a natural cohesion, and this date lacks it. The versions of "Cherokee" and "Stablemates" are good, but not enough to carry this drummer "Around the World.""