Two Drummers, One Room, No Apologies
Two heavyweight drummers trading time, with a first-rate front line keeping everyone honest.
Together! pairs Philly Joe Jones and Elvin Jones on the same kit, which sounds like a gimmick until you hear how thoughtfully the thing is arranged. They don't fight. They take turns, trade breaks, and create actual space for the soloists instead of turning the session into a drum competition. It's a smart move that could have been a disaster.
The band around them is exactly what you want: Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Hank Mobley on tenor sax, Wynton Kelly on piano, and Paul Chambers on bass. These are working musicians who know how to play together without anyone needing to explain anything. Kelly is efficient and swinging, never overplaying. Chambers anchors everything with that steady, muscular approach of his. Mitchell and Fuller trade off front-line duties nicely—Mitchell's tone is bright and direct, Fuller's is warmer, more of a blender. Mobley floats in with that characteristic breeziness he brought to so many sessions.
This isn't a peak moment in either drummer's story, and it's not some overlooked masterpiece that will change your life. What it is: a solid, no-nonsense session where two respected players showed up with a good band and played well. If you're already into Jones or Jones, or if you dig that early-1960s hard bop sound, it's worth your time. It's the kind of record that makes sense in context—good work from capable people, nothing wasted. Don't start here if you're new to any of these musicians. But if you already know their other records and you're looking for something that holds up, Together! delivers exactly what the title promises.
Who's playing
Paul Chambersbass
Wynton Kellypiano
Hank Mobleytenor saxophone
Blue Mitchelltrumpet
Curtis Fullertrombone
Elvin Jonesdrums
Philly Joe Jonesdrums
Where next?
More by Philly Joe Jones
All 17 albums →
The musicians on this record
Kelly Blue 1959
Wynton Kelly
plays piano here
plays piano here
Soul Station 1960
Hank Mobley
plays tenor saxophone here
plays tenor saxophone here
Puttin' It Together 1959
Elvin Jones
plays drums (drum set) here
plays drums (drum set) here
