Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Duke Jones was born Albert Jones on May 6th in White Plains, New York. The  nickname was given to him by his favorite aunt due to his love of music at an early age. He began learning trumpet at the age of nine and played in elementary school through high school. He formed a band with The Lewis Brothers and Sharon Bryant that ultimately became Atlantic Starr.

Jones attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, studying music and film. He worked the New York club circuit  and continued his studies with traditional island rhythms, calypso and soca at the University of Virgin Islands.  He was influenced by Kenny Dorham, Woody Shaw, Lee Morgan, Benny Bailey and Miles Davis.

He would go on to tour Japan, Europe and Africa, working with The Temptations, Angela Bofill, Larry Coryell and Marion Meadows. He has collaborated and recorded with August Darnell, and drummer Norman Connors. Duke served as Vice President of Creole Records, a label started with then band mate August Darnell (Kid Creole). In 2005, he formed Café Soul All-Stars, recording their debut album Love Pages which featured George Benson, Roy Ayers and Kenny Garrett among others.

Trumpeter and flugelhornist Duke Jones continues to perform, record and collaborate with his music.

More Posts: bandleader,flugelhorn,history,instrumental,jazz,music,trumpet