FROM THE WORLD STAGE TO THE WORLD’S STAGES

For drummer Willie Jones III, Fallen Heroes is more than just the name of his most recent album. The title also relates deeply to his life as a jazz musician. After all, the impact of many a lost mentor echoes through his now nearly 30-year career as an in-demand sideman, dynamic bandleader, and determined record label owner. Jones’ current recording, released on his own WJ3 label, specifically pays tribute to the recently passed Roy Hargrove, Larry Willis, Jimmy Heath, Ndugu Chancler, and Jeff Clayton, but the long list of elders who’ve lifted Jones up also includes Los Angeles-based musicians such as Billy Higgins, Henry Franklin, George Bohannon, Larance Marable … and a pianist named Willie Jones, Jr.

Indeed, growing up in various neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Jones III couldn’t help but follow in the footsteps of his pianist father, a journeyman musician who had moved to the area from Jacksonville and worked as music director for the Platters and other groups, as well as a vocal coach to Hollywood actors. There was plenty of jazz in the Jones household, thanks to an extensive record collection packed with Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and many more giants of classic jazz. More importantly, Jones’ father would take him to see shows, or bring him