Mona Foma 2018 review of David’s solo performances

January 31, 2018 Press, Reviews & Interviews 0

MOFO REVIEW: A WEEKEND OF PROTEST MUSIC IN 14 ACTS (MONA, HOBART)

By Benjamin Woods

Published January 23, 2018 in dailyreview.com.au

SATURDAY

DAVID JONES “STILLNESS, A MAN AND ONE INSTRUMENT”
– 11:30AM, MUSEUM GALLERY

If you are one of those people who think drum solos are indulgent bores, then this may be the drum piece for you.

Australian virtuoso drummer David Jones has worked with many high profile acts over the years, including John Farnham, James Morrison and Tommy Emmanuel. But he works a lot alone, putting percussion front and centre of his musical expression. Jones performed as part of a Frank Zappa recital at MOFO, but I saw his Stillness, a Man and One Instrument in the MONA galleries.

If you are one of those people who think drum solos are indulgent bores in which macho, hair metal numbskulls flaunt how hard and fast they can play in oh-so-predictable-ways, then this may be the drum piece for you. Much of Jones’ playing was quiet and it stopped completely several times. Any one movement didn’t last long and he used more techniques than I could count. He encouraged audience participation via claps and clicks and he was evidently in a grand mood as he mostly played with a blissed out smile on his face.

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“David Jones is unique and marvellous.”
Jim Chapin, author of “Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer”, 1997

“Of all the drummers I’ve had the pleasure to see and meet David Jones is one of a small group of very special and unique visionaries of rhythm and sound. With his musicality and spiritual being ,he encompasses all that is good about music and people, he touches deeply the inner soul and vibe that is music and life itself. His mere being is enough to make you look at your self and dig deeper. A guiding light in this crazy world we live in , there are two types of drummers, David Jones and every one else”.
Bruce Aitken (international drummer and Director for Cape Breton Drum Festival)

“… innovative, borderless … progressive music in its most thoroughly organic state, an aural vacation you will never forget.”
Anil Prasad, i/e Magazine, 1994

“I think he is taking drumming to another level. What he has done with his concept of time and being able to feel perfectly … five over two or this over that … it’s not just check out this polyrhythm, it’s the music is written with polyrhythms in mind. He was astounding today.”
Rod Morgenstein, USA drum legend, DrumScene, 1996

“You are a divine artist and I am in complete awe of your work. I want to thank you for genuinely inspiring me with your talents and skills. I have been really enjoying your CD. It is exactly what I needed after all that wonderful rhythmical stimulation from the festival. I just ordered you new CD/DVD, I can not wait to immerse myself in the beauty of your rhythms”
Pamela Lynn (Canadian-born international world percussionist/vocalist)-

“I am more impressed with your playing now that ever! You have always inspired me. You have now reached a place of pure expression and you are one with the universe! Pure drumming magic!”
Dom Famularo (international drummer, ‘Global Drumming Ambassador’)

“David play drums incredibly, with an amazingly fluid technique, a precise and light touch, and a calm and peaceful manner that belies the strength and endurance that resides below the surface. He also plays other sound sources such as meditation bowls in his performance. “I must say he held the whole audience, including myself and all the other well known drummers in nothing less than a trance. When he was done, he received a well deserved standing ovation.
Michael Shrieve (original drummer for Santana)

“At Montreux, David Jones displayed all the qualities one associates with Humair and Favre: total control, wit and humour, full dynamic range from heavy and loud to gentle and subtle, swing, showmanship, drive and power – and a few other things derived from his rock background which Humair and Favre do not possess. With sharply attentive ears, Jones was alive to every new situation as it arose. Always smiling … David Jones was without doubt one of the most interesting drummers to be found in Europe this summer.”
Niranjan Jhaveri, Montreux Concert Review, 1983

He is phenomenal, nobody else can do what David does with the drums – it’s amazing.
James Morrison

“David Jones is one of those technically exceptional drummers.”
David Lands, Jazz Journal, UK 1995

“… a prodigious wall of sound embracing an uncanny sense of space and time.”
Joya Jensen, Soundscapes, 1994

“An amazing performance by this internationally renowned drummer and percussionist. We, the capacity audience, were bathed in a Multisensory Immersion of sounds, vibrations, rhythms, colour and light; from time to time, we were engaged in producing sounds and rhythms as part of the performance. Overall, an amazing demonstration of sensory enrichment by David, who is clearly a leader in the world of music and sensory stimulation. We’re proud to have him in our CPX community.”
Peter Spence (CPX)

“You have achieved what I thought was unachievable on the drum kit – very high level of musicality, dense but dynamic phrasing that one does not get tired of, with and seemingly perfect time and the objective clearly on the music, not the ego. I am blown away.I hope we can play together sometime! Thanks and best wishes~Ed”
Ed Mann (percussionist on 50 of Frank Zappa’s albums)

“This cat has chops we all envy, but what sets him apart is how he uses them. His performance at festival left all of us: Carmine, Liberty, Dom and myself mesmerized”
Danny Seraphine (drummer for Chicago)

“It was great seeing you play and talking to you …you were amazing never saw anyone do what you did on a set… keep rockin”
Carmine Appice Jr (drummer for Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck, and Vanilla Fudge)

“The level of virtuosity … lies in that layer of the stratosphere called ‘unbelievable’.”
Gail Brennan, Sydney Morning Herald, 1992

“… the supreme percussionist in ideas and execution.”
Jim McLeod, 24 Hours Magazine, 1997

“… we have the makings of one of the greatest drummers the world is ever going to see. David Jones … is possibly the finest drummer I’ve ever heard.”
Will Dower, Modern Drummer, 1984

“What a privilege to have met you David and to behold your enlightening ministry of musical genius. Very uplifting to say the least”
Tania Robin (New Zealand dancer and Maori Artist)

“… extended drum solo was another tour de force of musicality, clowning and full-frontal virtuosity. His staggering facility was also employed to subtle and beautiful effect on the gentle numbers, showing that implying ideas is as much a part of his armoury as beating them into submission.”
John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald, 1996

[Dom Famularo’s performance]”… included a duet with David Jones that was one of those once-in-a-lifetime magic moments.”
Paul Matcott, DrumScene, 1996

David Jones is, in my opinion, one of the greatest, most natural, musicians on the planet. His musicianship is mesmerising and captivating – I’ve always felt he was in a class of his own.
Tommy Emmanuel

“David Jones … is an object lesson for all. He plays with amazing facility from a totally relaxed attitude of mind and body. Australia has never produced a finer musician in my opinion.” Don Burrows, Australia’s jazz luminary – the First 50 Years Album, 1995 “A performance by Jones is as remarkable visually as aurally. He looks as natural, as right, playing the drums, as Miles Davis did playing his horn, or as Luciano Pavarotti does singing. The sticks move in fluid circular motions, striking glancing blows on cymbals and drums, drawing out the warmest resonances.”
John Shand, Australasian Jazz and Blues Magazine, 1995

“David, it was a pleasure to meet you and to listen to you play… you have taken the drumset to a new level, physically and spiritually. Thank you. You can use my words and I will speak to them if you like… Anything for my new favourite drummer!!!! -Li”
Liberty DeVitto (drummer for Billy Joel)

“It is rare in the percussion industry to meet someone whose personality and artistic talent are equaled … at the highest standard. David is: entertaining, powerful, articulate, creative, positive, dedicated, humorous, humble, explosive, sensitive, serene. He contributes highly to Art and Humanity. Musically, always expect the unexpected! All this embodied in the person and artist of David Jones.”
Dom Famularo, USA/International Drum Clinician and Education Director, 1997

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