| The Drummers' Perspective - Keith Jones |
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Interview Post: May, 2002
Occupation: Professional Musician, Website: www.keithjonesmusic.com
Biography: Bands performed in: OF, Diamond Jim Band, Blue Steel, Reflex, Second Helping, Billy Blue Trio, Gary Sanders Band, Packet Of Three, New Frontier, C.C.M.A (1996 Country Band of the Year), Joe Houston, Smokey River, Forte, Wicked Tinkers (We play the music of the Scottish Highlands ( proud, stirring, passionate) and spice it with the Celtic tunes of Ireland and the many countries graced by the Gaelic sound). He has performed hundreds of clinics, sessions, & tours as well as fill -in work with members of the Temptations, Neville Brothers, Lynard Skynard and B.B. King. |
Questions
The Drummers Lounge (TDL) |
Answers
Keith Jones (KJ) |
TDL: If you could describe your playing as a food, what would it be? |
KJ: Italian food - It has great flavors and a good foundation! |
TDL: What was the first instrument you learned to play? |
KJ: The kitchen chairs, then the drum set. |
TDL: What attracted you to percussion? |
KJ: I loved the feeling I got from playing, as well as the emotions that flow through music. I thought with percussion I could express myself better. |
TDL: What musical influences did you have as a child? |
KJ: I would have to say that music in general was the inspiration. Music creates moods and feelings. |
TDL: What was your motivation to learn to play? |
KJ: My inside drive. I always give 110% in whatever I do and I knew that I wanted to become a professional musician. I wanted to fulfill my desire. |
TDL: What musical styles today, turn you off the most? |
KJ: Anything that I can't understand the lyrics, or it's just a bunch of noise and no melody. |
TDL: Who have you studied with? |
KJ: The Musicians Institute (many top players). |
TDL: Who have you performed with? |
KJ: Joe Houston, John Mayall, Mick Taylor, Pete Anderson...to name a few. |
TDL: How important is emotion in music? |
KJ: It is very important to play with emotion. Why play music (or anything else for that matter) if you don't have it. On stage, you have to let the emotion take over and flow through you. Performing can sometimes become mechanical, but you just have to let the emotions of the music take control. |
TDL: How does a person go about choosing an instrument? |
KJ: The instrument will choose you. Once you start on your journey to find an instrument, you will see the right path. |
TDL: What is the number one element to becoming an established musician? |
KJ: You have to work hard! It is a business. If you want to be a professional, act like it, with every fiber of your being. Be prompt, prepared, and know your abilities. |
TDL: When given the chance to inspire musicians today, from all walks of life, what words of wisdom would you give them? |
KJ: Always listen. Be influenced by your hero's. Be open-minded. Don't ever give up, even if you do not measure up to your musical hero's. Persevere, practice, and always strive to improve. You can never stop learning. |
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