David Jones

David Jones is often described as one of the most innovative and musical drummers in the world, a true virtuoso musician.  He creates a universe of sounds, textures and rhythms that conjure different cultures, ages, moods and styles.

He is a frequent guest artist and soloist with the Symphony Orchestras of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Tasmania, Auckland and Christchurch, and the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa in Japan.  Toshi Watanabe composed a drum concerto for David - Essay for Drumkit and Small Orchestra which premiered in Japan in 2006.  David plays and records with great artists and bands across all genres, such as John Williams, WDR Big Band Köln, Tommy Emmanuel, James Morrison, John Farnham, Don McClean, Elaine Paige, Petula Clark, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.  

David has won numerous prizes and awards including the Melbourne Prize for Music (2010).  His collaborative piece The River Meets the Sea, was named Instrumental Work of the Year at the APRA Classical Music Awards in 2009, and his album “Colours of the Drum” was nominated Best World Music Album 2008 by Fine Arts Aria. 

Head of the Jazz Drum departments at the Sydney Conservatorium between 1985 and 1992, he has been an Honorary Fellow and guest lecturer at Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne since 2013 and in 2015 was appointed lecturer at the James Morrison Academy.  

David has presented his original solo drumkit concerts since 2005.  He incorporates meditation into his music-making and has released many CDs with his partner Carmen Warrington.