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Take Five with Jonathan Curtis
Jonathan is a drummer from Nottingham, England, and one of the most exciting young talents to emerge onto the music scene. Involved in most things to do with the drums, Jonathan runs an educational YouTube channel, writes and records music, plays with lots of bands, and teaches the drums privately and in schools around Nottinghamshire.
Jonathan began learning the piano aged 7, but switched to the drums at 11. Since then, he has studied with many teachers, including
Dave Weckl
drumsb.1960
Sergio Bellotti
drumsb.1968
Stanton Moore
drumsb.1972
With his debut release gaining steady popularity, Jonathan is now working on new projects, including the second Eclectic Band album, and a drum solo educational package.
Instrument(s):
Drums
Teachers and/or influences?
My most influential teachers, defined as someone with whom I have studied in person, include Paul Hose, Massimo Russo, Dave Weckl, and Grant Collins. These people have really helped to shape my playing.
Influence wise, I have been most affected by the playing of
Vinnie Colaiuta
drumsb.1956
I knew I wanted to be a musician when...
Hard to say, as there are a lot of cliched answers to this question. I helped found a relatively successful band at 16 after having played the drums for 5 years. During that time, I realised that I never wanted to stop.
Your sound and approach to music:
Expressive. If it don't swing, it don't mean a thing. What I mean is, the state of self-expression, instantaneous creation, is what makes music swing, whether or not it actually "swings..." ya dig?
Your teaching approach:
Thorough. I like the student to thoroughly understand what they're doing, and why, and this includes the theoretical aspect. I believe that if you are as rigorous and thorough as possible when learning the material, you will be able to play it freely and organically, which helps with expression.
Your dream band:
It would probably be the
John Coltrane
saxophone1926 - 1967
Elvin Jones
drums1927 - 2004
In realistic terms, having dedicated, top class musicians playing with the Jonathan Curtis Eclectic Band is a dream of its own kind.
Road story: Your best or worst experience:
Thankfully I've never had anything too serious. I did once go for a crash cymbal hit rather too vigorously and tossed the stick across the stage and hit the guitarist on the side of the head during the show. He was also singing at the time, so there was a significant drop in the song's energy at that particular moment.
Favorite venue:
Nowhere in particular, but a nice, spacious stage, well lit with good sound would be an instant favourite. I enjoyed playing the Edinburgh jazz club.
Your favorite recording in your discography and why?
As there's only one, it has to be my debut, Carousel. This one was the one that actually got made. I went all the way and produced a full album, so whatever else I may make in the future, this one will always be special. Also, there's some pretty tasty stuff on there!
The first Jazz album I bought was:
I'm struggling to remember, but it might well have been Whisper Not by
Keith Jarrett
pianob.1945
Jack DeJohnette
drumsb.1942
Gary Peacock
bass, acoustic1935 - 2020
Stan Getz
saxophone, tenor1927 - 1991
Dizzy Gillespie
trumpet1917 - 1993
Sonny Stitt
saxophone1924 - 1982
What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?
Myself.
Did you know...
I have a masters degree in western analytic philosophy, and wrote an 11,000 word dissertation on metaphysics. Also, I'm a big death metal fan.
CDs you are listening to now:
Chick Corea: Five Peace Band Live (Chick Corea Productions)
Jing Chi: Jing Chi (Tone Center Records)
Mahavishnu Orchestra: Inner Mounting Flame (Sony)
John Coltrane: A Love Supreme (Impulse!)
Desert Island picks:
Dizzy Gillespie: For Musicians Only
Mahavishnu Orchestra: Inner Mounting Flame (Sony)
Necrophagist: Epitaph (Relapse)
John Coltrane: A Love Supreme (Impulse!)
Spawn of Possession: Noctambulant (Blakk)
What is your favourite time signature/rhythmic motif?
I love playing the odd times, especially 3/4 and 7/8. I don't know why, but they resonate with me in a way that seems to produce some of my better playing.
How would you describe the state of jazz today?
Thriving but understated.
What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?
A healthy scene where established musicians are supportive and accommodating of new cats. Good, respectful venues (that pay!), promotion and support from the likes the MU and ABJ.
What is in the near future?
The second JCEB album, and a drum solo composition project. Also, live performances with the Eclectic Band.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
How grim. If Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" came on, I'd probably burst out the box and start jiving.
What is your favorite song to whistle or sing in the shower?
Novelty circus jitties, like that famous juggling/circus one everyone knows.
By Day:
Nope, still a drummer, by day and by night, I'm afraid.
If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a:
A musician of another genre. I'm not playing fair, am I?
Tags
Jonathan Curtis
Take Five With...
Dave Weckl
Sergio Bellotti
Stanton Moore
Vinnie Colaiuta
John Coltrane
Elvin Jones
Keith Jarrett
Jack DeJohnette
Gary Peacock
Stan Getz
Dizzy Gillespie
Sonny Stitt
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