With his unequalled style Willie Jones III is one of the world's leading jazz drummers. In his music he pays tribute to famed jazz drummers like Philly Joe Jones, Art Blakey and Billy Higgins. The 44-year-old American caught the musical virus from his father who was a respected jazz pianist. After studying at the California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles, Jones III founded the jazz band Black Note, inspired by the West Coast bop movement, with which he won the John Coltrane young Artist Competition in 1991. Jones III has played with Sonny Rollins, Kurt Elling, Michael Brecker and Herbie Hancock, and for years was a member of the band of Roy Hargrove. The charismatic drummer will be joined by his ensemble at North Sea Jazz. On his own label WJ3 Records earlier this year The Willie Jones III Sextet Plays the Max Roach Songbook (Live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola) was released.
