Kevin Jones is an exciting young percussionist who has graced stages the world over. Originally from Englewood, NJ, Kevin has been playing professionally since the age of 13 when he worked for All Platinum Records (now Sugar Hill records) in his hometown of Englewood. There he cut percussion tracks for groups like the “Moments” and even toured with some of their recording artists while still in school. At the age of 16 he joined a professional African dance & drum ensemble under the direction of master drummer and dancer, Titos Sompas. It was here that Kevin learned many of the traditional Rhythms and Songs from the Congo. During this period he was also under the tutelage of percussionist Babatunde Lea and Coster Massamba.

Kevin attended the University of Massachusetts where he met Professor Archie Shepp. Shepp encouraged Kevin’s musical aspirations and eventually hired him as a percussionist in his band and recorded Archie Shepp live at “Palais de Glace”. Kevin also recorded the same year with Alto Saxophone legend Charles McPherson; an album entitled “Free Bop”.

Kevin then went on to record and tour with R&B legends “The Isley Brothers”. This proved to be one of Kevin’s longest lasting gigs, spanning thirteen years. He also had the distinct privilege of touring with world-renowned singer, Whitney Houston.

More recently Kevin, has continued to stick close to his roots of Jazz and Traditional African and Neo-African music by playing with many artists such as Talib Kibwe, Winard Harper, Babatunde Lea, James Weidman and Clifford Adams. Kevin still can be found playing traditional African music with Malaki Ma Congo Drum and Dance Ensemble.

Besides Performing Kevin is fast becoming an excellent teacher and clinician. He now works for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The Bronx Arts Ensemble, Arts Horizons, Dance Giant Steps and Harlem School of the Arts.

Kevin has recently recorded his own project, “Land of Eternal Tranquil Light”, featuring drummer Marvin “Bugalu” Smith, saxophonist Talib Kibwe, pianist Kelvin Sholar and percussionist Djobi Irie Simon, a recording expressing his commitment to peace and an expression of his untiring faith.

Discography

	Charles McPherson – Free Bop (xanadu records 1978)			
	Archie Shepp – Archie Shepp ‘ Live at Palais De Glais’
	The Isley Brothers – Once Had Your Lovin’ (T-Neck/CBS1982)
	The Isley Brothers – Who Said? (T-Neck/CBS 1981)
	The Isley Brothers – Inside You (T-Neck/CBS 1981)
	The Isley Brothers – Between the Sheets (T-Neck/CBS 1983)
	Sunrize – Who’s Stickin’ It? (Boardwalk)
	Isley, Jasper & Isley – Broadway’s Closer to Sunset Boulevard (CBS1984)
	Isley, Jasper & Isley - Caravan of Love (CBS 1985)
	Isley, Jasper & Isley – Different Drummer (CBS 1986)
	Invisible Man’s Band – Sunday Afternoon (Island Records 1984)
	Randy VanWarmer – The Beat of Love
	Clyde Criner – Behind the Sun (with Carlos Santana & Marcus Miller) (Novus 1988)
	Chuck McPherson – Chuck McPherson and his Jazz Disciples ‘live at the Juke Joint’
	George Makinto – Malimba 
	Clifford Adams – Clifford Adams (untitled)
	Kevin Jones – Land of Eternal Tranquil Light” (Kasmavtsu Music/CDBaby)
	Joey DeFrancesco – Keepers of the flame (Tribute to Charles Earland) (High Note 2000)
	Papa John DeFrancesco – Hip Cake Walk (High Note 2000)
	Brain Horton “Gritty” – It’s Like (Doc8 Music 2001)
	Kelvin Sholar & Esoterica – Messionik (Kasmavtsu Music 2001)
	Kelvin Sholar & Esoterica – Live at the Knitting Factory (Kasmavtsu Music 2002)
	Mondre Moffett – Wishbone Suite
	Norman Simmons – Synthesis (High Note 2002)
	Marilyn Issac – Fresh Anointing 
	Babatunde Lea – Soul Pools (Motema 2001)
	Larry Price – From Now Own 
	Blaze – Spiritually Speaking (Kickin' records 2002)
	Winard Harper – (Not yet named)  (Savant 2003)

Appearances

	Whitney Houston
	Archie Shepp
	Charles McPherson
	Ray Copeland
	Winard Harper
	Kelvin Sholar & Esoterica
	Tommy Turrentine
	Talib Kibwe
	The Isley Brothers
	George Makinto
	Chuck McPherson and the Jazz Disciples
	Djobi Irie Simon and Bangfola Ensemble
	Malaki Ma Congo Drum & Dance group
	Francis Mbappe & FM  Tribe
	Babatunde Olatunji
	Spirit of Life Ensemble	
	Kelvin Sholar & Esoterica
	Babatunde Lea Quintet