Philly Joe Doing It His Way
Jones runs the date with the relaxed authority of someone who has nothing left to prove.
Philly Joe Jones was a drummer's drummer — the guy Miles Davis kept calling back, the guy who could lock in with almost anyone and make it feel inevitable. Mo' Joe (1968) is a leader date, which means we get to hear Jones away from the sideman role he spent so much of his career in, and the result is a loose, confident session that suits him well. It is not a record trying to reinvent anything. It is a working jazz drummer leading a group through material he clearly enjoys, and that is enough.
The rhythm section work here is what holds your attention. Jones had that quality where he could push a tempo without making anyone feel rushed, or lay back just slightly and give soloists room to breathe. You hear that throughout this record — the kit sounds full and present, the snare has a crack to it, and his brushwork on the slower material is genuinely good. The band around him is solid without being flashy, which is the right call. This is his date, and the arrangements reflect that.
If you already own the classic Miles records where Jones is driving the band from behind — Kind of Blue, Milestones — this gives you a different angle on the same musician. He is not hiding behind anyone else's concept here. Is it essential? Probably not, unless you are already a fan. But if you are working through Jones's discography or trying to understand why other drummers talked about him the way they did, this record makes a reasonable case. It is a good hang of an album. Put it on, pay attention to the drums, and let the rest follow.
Who's playing
John Hartbass
Ron Mathewsonbass
Mike Pynepiano
Peter Kingalto saxophone
Harold McNairtenor saxophone
Les Condontrumpet
Chris Pynetrombone
Philly Joe Jonesdrums
Kenny Wheelerflugelhorn
