# 123 of 130 drummers I’ve seen and heard in my lifetime - Joey Baron
Joey Baron (b-1955)
In 1999, I performed multiple concerts with Derek Bailey. These are documented in the “Untitled Improvisations” recording. In 2000, Derek invited me to perform at The Tonic in New York City. Derek curated The Tonic for a month.
This was similar to his legendary Company Week.
Over a period of 30 days, Derek performed and presented artist each night. Those included Cecil Taylor, Rashid Ali, Thurston Moore, John Zorn, Joell Leandre and others. Derek performed solo and in ensembles.
I performed solo and with various musicians including Gary Smith and Tony Bevan. It was a great several days in New York City to play and observe. In 2000, The Tonic was the most active venue for creative – improvised music and performance.
I drove my North Drumset in my Astro Van (The Hotel Astro) to NYC. When my gig was over, I drove into the city and parked in the Tonic lot, then spent the day in NYC. One morning I arrived, parked in the lot and saw a guy sitting at The Tonic front door. He sat with a bundle of drum cases.
It was Joey Baron, waiting to unload his gear for the night’s Tonic performance. He had taken a cab waiting for the club to open. I recognized him and introduced myself. I told him I had been a guest of Derek Bailey, played and was spending a couple days in NYC. He was amazingly friendly and energized with positive comments and cordial words.
Somehow the conversation moved into him doing a coin trick for me, right there on the sidewalk. It was crazy, but entertaining. We exchanged good-byes. I told him I would come hear his group that night.
At the time his band was called Killer Joey. It was a very hip 2-guitar bass---drum ensemble. They played modern ambient groove tunes, almost surf music, but different. It was very unique.
I was inside The Tonic early, before he started that night. I observed him on stage setting up his kit and noticed a cymbal bag leaning against the wall. It was Joey’s. Drummers can be crazy about cymbals. I’m sure his bag contained a favorite or two. He was very thankful when I handed it to him. It wasn’t lost or stolen. Joey Baron is another totally unique master of the drumset. He can swing, improvise, groove solid and compose rhythmic sheets of sound.
His discography includes: John Abercrombie, Laurie Anderson, Tim Berne, David Bowie, Dave Douglas, Fred Frith, Jim Hall, Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano, Pat Martino and more.
I’m most familiar with Joey Baron’s work with Bill Frisell and John Zorn. (His drumset contributions with John Zorn’s ensembles are legendary) Recent videos include multiple drummers Joey Baron and Kenny Wollenson with dual guitars, Bill Frisell and Julian Lage.