Elvin Jones Quartet -Three Card Molly

Circa 1979
Pat La Barbera - Sax
Ryo Kawasaki - Guitar
David Williams - Bass

[@dinodeluca6210]

Pat La Barbara is not only a great saxophonist but also the luckiest guy alive....he played with Elvin Jones and Buddy Rich! Wow...

[@elausraliano]

I copped a hiding for seeing Elvin Jones at the Teatro Municipal in Vina del Mar, Chile in 1972. I was grounded and I escaped through the window! It was worth it!

[@willmurray222]

When I was a 17 year old rock drummer. Seeing and meeting and lessons with Elvin , I became a jazz drummer.

[@drowdaba]

jealous!

[@CymbalVault]

There are so many 'Elvin-isms' in Elvins drum solos, especially with the phrasing of the poly-rhythms, yet somehow each performance is extremely unique. Elvin once said that his solos were constructed of verses and choruses much like a tune or song is constructed. Elvin was a true artistic genius. The sign of a true artist is to pour your heart into your instrument, and that's what Elvin did and that's why he is my drum hero.

[@namtil]

@monktrane325 I was lucky enough to study with Pat, too. He's a generous person and teacher, and one of the strongest musicians I've ever played with. Hearing him with Elvin's Quartet back in the 1980's was a serious musical experience. Afterwards, Pat even introduced me and my friends to Elvin himself - very memorable stuff.

[@RazrHack]

I think Elvin Jones is the only man who could ever wear what is essentially a fishnet top and look completely manly and badass in it.

[@stuartcook1666]

Shirt don't lie haha

[@lucianlarghi5402]

It's Elvin Jones! The man could've come out dressed as the Ringling Bros. and we'd still take him serious.

[@spencerdirks2415]

Agreed! The only things I've ever seen in that material are as follows: Pear apples, Elvin Jones.

[@RobFieldFlorida]

Maybe Fela Kuti or Bernie Worrell.

[@gustavoestevam5263]

Right on the spot

[@soundsurface4881]

I got to shake his hands this one time as he came off the just-burned to the ground & smokin' bandstand in at a small club in Minneapolis, and I can still feel the blessing he gave with his joyous eyes & beautiful smile. He was the true apotheosis of living jazz drum love, I never will forget! --- Thanks for the great video!:)

[@adnilrummut105]

Unglaublich! Diese Perfektion an völlig natürlich erscheinender rhythmischen Gestaltung des musikalischen Materials strahlt weit über allem, was bekannt ist. Isn't it?!

[@226jimbo]

the whole group is insane!!!!! Pat La Barbara .......omg!

[@zangsax]

I always wondered how Pats playing got by most people. He’s a brilliant musician!

[@dylangatenby9928]

Pat is genius. As well as his two brothers John and Joe. Truly a talented family.

[@perovaas]

Elvin's APPARENT sloppy work at times is just a trademark of his genius. He plays behind the beat in a way that one FEELS it, but it is absolutely on time. I used to play against Elvin's records and found it amazing to see how much it was EASY to be carried by him. No wonder that all the greats called on him to back them up! I miss Elvin dearly!

[@dh-_1011]

If life could be like jazz, everyone gets along, everyone gets space, and together they kill it, no matter who they are, black or white! We can do it people!

[@braytunes]

Love Pat LaBarbera! Man Elvin was the best!

[@naccibobacci]

I love that cymbal crash at 3:57, Jones just smacks the shit out of it like it talked back.

[@lucianlarghi5402]

I read your comment and I can't unsee that XD

[@dylangatenby9928]

Three Card was always one of Elvin’s main charts that he used. Awesome solo work on Soprano by LaBarbera and Elvin’s footwork is just outstanding.

[@timeman3000]

I love at at 8:22 Elvin refuses to end and keeps the groove going!

[@clarkwinfield646]

Okay I got my cigarette lit and I'm ready

[@user-cn3ed6fn6j]

I have the great Blessing of hearing Coltrane with McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones 4 times in Chicago. Thank God these videos exist, and it is great to watch them...but it really only gives a small fraction of the experience of what it was like to be there, 20' away, when all that Cosmic Divine Beauty and Power were pouring forth on you....I was like sitting at the bottom of Niagara Falls. TYJGK

[@roadrocket7]

You ARE truly blessed. I have heard from various sources that sometimes when the classic Coltrane Quartet was playing the Village Vanguard, people would leave. From the sonic avalanche of SOUND. Coltrane would just blow for hours, with Elvin right behind him. McCoy and Jimmy both exhausted and leaving the stage to just John and Elvin. I can only imagine what that must have been like. Can't believe people on here talking about Elvin's clothes, for god's sake. I got to see Elvin with his band, in his last years. He had stopped smoking by then. He actually saw me just staring at him and smiled back. I felt touched by a higher power. He signed an old Blue Note LP and a big coffee table size book on Jazz. Keiko took them backstage and got Elvin to sign them for me. Priceless treasures. There was only ONE Elvin Jones.

[@bfreedman1000]

One of my great regrets in life that I didn't get to experience that directly

[@bteiv676]

I saw at Slugs with a small trio. During intermission a sax play went up to the stage and asked if he could sit in. He agreed. Mr Jones had a bass player and a saxophonist. Well the second set started and after the beginning of a song the two sax players started going back and forth. Doing their thing. That lasted a while and then Mr jones took over with a hot torrent of syncopated rhythms shutting them both down. Magical night. By the way Johnny Winter was in the audience..

[@U2WB]

Begs the question “how many times is too many to play the same phrase”

[@Statstistician]

It’s like he’s playing ABOVE time. Unreal.

[@Steeltowner]

His playing is as elegant and as powerful as an aged Scotch...truely a pioneer and innovator.

[@roadrocket7]

I always wanted to personally ask Elvin what kind of feedback or criticism he got when he really developed his style. He was so different. He could fit in with all the Jazz greats when he started, but when really came on with the whole polyrhythmic "style" and such ferocious intensity....man...you know he turned heads on the bandstand.

[@riccsheridan8720]

Elvin breaks into this solo like a hot hot summer volcano!!!!!spewing lava and fire erupting into an enormous sky full of smoke and organized anger!!!!!!! truly a force to be reckoned with a master and most definitely one of the kings of the drum set........Elvin Jones........ its whats for dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CHOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!! love you forever Elvin

[@razadrum]

ELVIN-Is a jazz drummer, the highest order of improvizational genius, if you can't understand that then you have no business no business talking about it.

[@kiddmarlowe1534]

Well said!

[@guitarman6742]

Genius. Check this out...improvisational.

[@bennymalone]

This right here!

[@MelG11X]

Elvin--always terrific. No cliches here. Thank you.

[@adnilrummut105]

elvins polyrythmical flow sounds that precise and complex to my ears...what a fucking drummer ... a beast and to the point

[@kingda117]

The Muhammad Ali of drums.

[@shafiyqmuhammad7806]

I liked that thnx bud

[@jaredislversteindrums]

4:45 - 5:45 I couldn't stop laughing out of sheer amazement. It takes a true musical evil genius to do what he he just did.

[@boondoxatron9167]

Around 5:15 I got worried that the bass drum mallet might catch Elvin's pantsleg, but no. Elvin was completely in control of that as well! God bless him - he is truly the master.

[@kevinwilkins3248]

Simply one of the coolest cats who ever played. Power, dynamics, flare, improvisation, resonating tones, just awesome.

[@MegaBigDank]

Best i'v heard Pat play

[@joseenriquelunamendoza425]

Its increíble to me that only 1400 likes out of 220000 views actually support Elvin Jones extraordinary singular drumming world reknown style.

[@Gary-59]

Sat right in front of his kit for 2 nights in a row at the Jazz Workshop in Boston in 1978. Words cannot even begin to describe.

[@roadrocket7]

Wished I could have been there too. I have a pair of Gretsch Elvin Jones sticks. They are so thin. Small for a man like Elvin, with his powerful hands. Like a 5A stick. You'd think he would have used big 2B size sticks like Tony Williams.But, when you really look at Elvin's hands while he's playing, he's actually barely holding his sticks. Such a delicate grip, but....when the sticks hit his DRUMS, all Hell broke loose. The man was a god.

[@Gary-59]

Agreed - only a deity could rumble like thunder through a ballad like Naima.

[@paulbartlett4526]

Yes,a high school drum friend & I were probably next to you @ another table, also right in front of Elvin's yellow Gretsch then

[@Gary-59]

@@paulbartlett4526 Then you remember that smiling glare with a cigarette ash always dangling :)

[@robertperrella4194]

elvin jones is a SUPER FORCE OF NATURE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tonartification]

1976 Elvin's band members were Azar Lawrence (sax), Ryo Kawasaki and David Williams. Almost the same band here with the exception of sax player Pat LaBarbara. - Great energy!

[@noostrings]

The best thing about Elvin is when he tries to go for something and doesn't quite get it. How he responds to this make my hair stand up. Most drummers make a f*** up and then go all sheepish for a minute or too. Elvin, well he just responds by throwing himself further in the deep end and try's to get him self out. That when the magic happens.

[@RobFieldFlorida]

That reminds me of Coltrane. Maybe not strictly coincidental.

[@jonahwestphalen2573]

ive noticed that with tony too.. a lot to be learned there

[@mikehawk9461]

noostrings Pretty much nailed it. That’s why I love improv going deep and taking risks , it’s fun and exciting all these new drummers sound like they’ve been practicing the same shit to show off pre thought garbage.

[@geraldmellon740]

@@jonahwestphalen2573 great point.

[@filmusikchannel7596]

Idol, genius

[@devilmate969]

this version of "Three Card Molly" seriously bangs. it sounds more heavier, busier, and cohesive among everyone jiving

[@kevinfrazee1707]

I'm can only guess that the 5 thumbs down happened by accident. How can you not Love\Respect the great Elvin Jones

[@jeanmichelachiary9336]

Nature !! c'est complètement nature!! Une force incroyable jaillit de cette musique !! Merci !!

[@TylerYeah]

Man listen to him groove in that pocket. I would kill for that rhythm.

[@dylangatenby9928]

One of my favorite drummers!

[@marshallrauh]

the time is engrained naturally its about recognizing the difference and synergy between even time and creativity.. it may get lost but u can find it

[@robertperrella4194]

what a natural talent indeed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@anandanaga999]

Different things inspire us. The augury of Birds in the sky,clouds,certain parts of Women, music in the air. Sometimes i like to sweat and work hard with a devotional intensity. It is the essence of bhakti. i heard this the other day and became inspired by it. - And then I thought. "Hey maybe someone else might be inspired by it also."

[@nadir6661]

almost same kit as Tony Williams yet so amazing and lovely difrent

[@danieldolcetti7427]

Elvin is the jazz music

[@Twistchawa]

Man, that sax player sounds a lot like Coltrane. . . Elvin is incredible.

[@dylangatenby9928]

Pat does sound like Coltrane. You are correct good ear! He has covered Trane's work too

[@donniecunningham6426]

Elvin Jones, Max Roach, Buddy Rich, and Philly Joe Jones are the greatest to ever do it. Oh and Marvin Smitty Smith.

[@roadrocket7]

Don't forget Roy Haynes, Louis Hayes, Papa Jo Jones, Joe Morello, Art Taylor, Billy Higgins, Shelly Manne and Stan Levey. Innovators and legends as well.

[@emilianoturazzi]

Tony Williams, Eddie Blackwell, Baby Dodds, Paul Barbarin...

[@nickb1796]

Art Blakey, Jack Dejohnette, and Alan Dawson too

[@heatrfeltwood]

Elvin IS destroying me here as per his usual. This voodoo could only come from Elvin. Elvin JONES!

[@olandoaugborn8499]

Elvin beating the heads off of them drums!

[@nellgit]

stunning -just amazin!

[@multidough]

nobody plays like Elvin Jones This is Only one.

[@1955drv]

YES.....very serious, love the energy & attention 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@yeaaight]

2:15 ENERGY ENERGY ENERGY

[@francofusario1855]

Spectacular, with dynamite in your hands.

[@warrenhenderson2717]

Mr.Polyrhythms Elvin Jones.May he R. I.P.

[@andrewscottgreer]

can you imagine transcribing this hahaha fucking years later your like halfway thru

[@JuanRodriguez-uj7le]

The last two minutes are real good. Great piece Evlin.

[@Tunox666]

Ty for uploading this video .

[@clarkhutchens7074]

That's how you do it, play it, get up, walk away.

[@dizzypeanut]

Definitely. Incredible album.

[@mediocrefunkybeat]

Holy Hell!

[@vgr112261]

Fantastic

[@joeybadabing4218]

What a master.

[@nilocke]

Elvin in the driver's seat! Beautifully awkward at times. Intricate and human. Not only that but I don't think even Ed Blackwell could pull off a mesh shirt and matching white leather shoes. A true master.

[@mcrestwood7378]

that was awesome--elvin just killed it, he was one of a kind,his personality and energy and story telling skills were quite profound,,great band,,don`t hear or know enough about pat la barbera or ryo kawasaki but i dug the vibe,that tune is very cool and the arrangement is totally happening ,,,more of this please sir!!! p.s. didn`t know there were any good porno movies from the 50`s--lol

[@johnlane2010]

Elvin is on my Mt. Rushmore of drummers. Top 3.

[@andrewburgess633]

A MASTER

[@hswatnik]

excellent video-

[@jorgeamorimmusic]

WONDERFUL!!! ELVIN 4 EVER... AXE!!!

[@cymandeh]

that solo was hulk hogan super steroids saturday nights main event VIOLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bennymalone]

No one plays like Elvin, no one.

[@letoholicweazle]

Elvin Jones, Legend

[@bobdadruma]

I am sitting here stunned :0

[@EricSlingerland]

Flint Michigan

[@nadir6661]

there r a lot of trplet soloing guys out there but Elvin...... is like you're runned over by a train (and big 1to) THE MAN

[@Sax4Him]

@knowgeddy I agree....laughter is my litmus test for sheer playing genious!

[@timar101]

them some jazz shoes!

[@DACOLINC]

Well said. Blessings D

[@ZionGuySupreme]

For 0:25 Ron says pre-Elvin, Elvin and post-Elvin. My list would be.. Pre: Kenny Clarke Current: Elvin Jones Post: Brian Blade.

[@mikehawk9461]

ZionGuy Brian blade is only good enough to hold elvins sweatrag offstage.

[@marshallrauh]

thats right it IS beyond u

[@FrankTkaczyk]

Wow, Amen!

[@joshnsolomon]

how come no one can play jazz drums like this anymore?

[@SundayLiquid]

Not exactly the same but the most innovative drummer you're going to find today is Zach Hill, and hes said in interviews that Elvin Jones is an influence. Zach sides wildely more complex though, and to the untrained ear it can sound like a lot. Imagine these kind of polyrythms extrapolated to the nth degree. Each project he's worked on sound typically wildly different. Imagine a jazz fueled nightmare.

[@trumpetprofessor]

@killerj0e YES!!! I love it.

[@ohchino]

@i40gordy Mee too, in Lima - Perú, same combo, at summer (ours) 1973. It was Zacariah at the theaters at the same time. And yes: far out!

[@kingtoadius]

damn i want my toms to sound like that, that my friends is a golden sounding drum kit played by a the one and only

[@danielabdelnour8232]

PATS KILLIN IT

[@evensteve284]

Wow. Im not a Drummer, Im a Bass Player. But what am I seeing/ hearing at 4:40? Is that triplets on the rack tom / high-hat / snare? He does that, then builds on it, then goes away from it, but keeps coming back to it. Is that what is going on? Beyond cool.

[@LazyBastard69]

Mos Def :D

[@andrewscottgreer]

thats a huge joint at the beggining

[@GuretuKaia]

What is he doing with those toms? Oh my dear gods!!!

[@greenfruitface]

@bruthaflo well put, man!

[@marcfedak]

Encore!

[@bruno.ddb0]

intense

[@thisonesam]

@DWlang66 even if you do think that this is random noise (which it isnt, there is a clearly defined tonality, although they stray from it liberally, and a clear rhythmic pulse firmly in the jazz tradition) i hope you dont deny that these men are incredibly talented individuals who have mastered their instruments and have an incredible command of rhythm and harmony and group interplay

[@geraldmellon740]

Love it but when I see yellow Gretsch I just can't stop thinking about...

[@boulevard251]

classic

[@moonrabbitretreat9173]

He's so fucking cool

[@MrLeaff]

bad ass

[@borgullet3376]

Damn. Ron could pass for Mos Def's Daddy.

[@martydurlam]

Fuck yes

[@clarkwinfield646]

.... Rat Salad by Black Sabbath even ...

[@naccibobacci]

That is insightful. It never occurred to me until you said it but yes, how is that possible?

[@misfit2022]

Clark Winfield I hear a lot of Joe Morello in Bill Ward