Faye Carol's 'Give the Drummer Some' Enlivens San Jose Jazz Scene

Bay Area legend, jazz and blues vocalist Faye Carol is known for her magnetic stage presence and stirring voice. Carol, together with her skilled pianist Joe Warner, has spent over a decade putting a spotlight on talented horn players and oft-overlooked Black female vocalists through a series of concerts and community events. However, her passion for acknowledging the rhythmic heartbeat of music has led her to focus on a group of musicians she sees as foundational: the drummers.

Drummers hold a special place in Carol's musical philosophy as the foundational base necessary for the success of any musical ensemble. To celebrate these beat-makers, Carol, in collaboration with San Jose Jazz, has begun the 'Give the Drummer Some' series. This initiative consists of monthly concerts and complimentary workshops at the SJZ Breakroom, where the rhythmic prowess of drummers is given center stage. The series kicked off with drummers Sylvia Cuenca and Dante Roberson and continued with the prodigious talents of Dennis Chambers, who was part of the renowned band Parliament-Funkadelic at just 18.

Chambers, now 64, is not only well respected for his work with jazz fusion artists but also holds a rich history of playing alongside vocalists—a fact often overshadowed by his electrified performances. Despite his association with the fusion genre, Chambers expresses a genuine joy in supporting singers and relishes the opportunity to collaborate with artists like Faye Carol, who appreciates the varied skills of musicians.

Continuing the series, Carol plans to perform with an array of distinguished drummers, including NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart and Greg Hutchinson, the latter known for his energetic style. Veterans and newcomers alike, such as Ron E. Beck and Charles Haynes, are also slated to join Carol, each embodying a different facet of Black music's rich rhythmic tapestry. Haynes, while not a household jazz name, has contributed to the pop music sphere through work with figures like Kanye West and Ed Sheeran.

For Carol, the 'Give the Drummer Some' series is not just about performance but also about the perpetuation of musical spirit. Hosting master classes with world-renowned drummers for younger generations is a way to ensure the vibrancy and continuity of the craft. The series is a vibrant reminder of the inherent versatility within jazz, celebrating the drummers who often provide the unseen heartbeat of the music.

jazz, blues, drummers