Once a fixture at VCU jazz recitals, long-time local drummer and University of Richmond alum Brian Jones has diligently grooved his way into the jazz faculty.
Hailing from Pittsburgh, Jones moved to Virginia to attend UR. While working toward a degree in history, he studied music privately under former VCU drum professor Howard Curtis and familiarized himself with the local music scene.
Through these early interactions with department heavyweights, such as current trumpet professor Rex Richardson, Jones came to the attention of the VCU jazz community.
“The association with recitals and Rex really helped,” Jones said. “Having worked with so many of these cats, the position feels really natural.”
In addition to teaching VCU students, Jones maintains a private studio of about 30-50 students from all ages and skill levels. He also teaches at UR, The College of William and Mary and Collegiate High School.
Because of his busy schedule, Jones cannot tour like he used to. From 1995 to 2001, Jones was president and founding member of Agents of Good Roots, a national touring act that also featured current professor of jazz saxophone J.C. Kuhl.
In addition to being a singer, drummer and principal songwriter for the group, Jones managed the act’s bookings, Web sites, merchandise, accounting, payroll and operating budget. The group performed about 250 shows a year.
He still gigs regularly, however, staying true to the scene he has done so much to nurture.
“Music is an intangible,” Jones said. “The things that matter are the things that have nothing to do with music. Be on time. Be prepared. Be able to do things you don’t even expect to be asked to do. Be able to teach. Be able to compose on the spot. Be able to go into a studio and feel confident.”
The percussion program struggled through a transitional phase after the passing of former professor Donald Bick several semesters ago. The loss resulted in the music department spreading its faculty too thin to prevent students’ education from suffering.
Now, with Jones teaching alongside professor of jazz drum set Tony Martucci, the jazz majors have little to worry about, aside from finding enough time to practice.
Whether or not their teaching styles clash is not really an issue for Antonio Garcia, director of jazz studies.
“I’m not looking for clones,” he said. “In this line of work, you have to be prepared to encounter different teaching styles … At the end of the day, if the students have learned something, then (the teachers) have done their job.”
As well as being able to purchase his MP3s online, one can visit http://slangsanctuary.com to hear about what Jones is cooking up.