Thomas has partnered with the Sharp Nine Gallery (with the support of Peggy Goodman)! Together, they will present a monthly educational Jazz Jam session. The month of January will feature the music of Cole Porter. The house rhythm section is Maya Kronfeld on Piano, Jason Foureman on Bass, and Thomas on Drums. Be sure to start learning the tunes now! The list of songs and links are below.

APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/9-cole-porter-jan-2025/pl.u-6mo458eI3BvEKST:

Youtube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO5v5afEOppESkExNOVP1YLshCcJOOjL-&si=ekoMWqDnBKK2m_PS

Playlist of songs:

Anything Goes

Begin the Beguine

Easy to Love

Ev'ry Time we Say Goodbye

I Get a Kick out of You

I've Got you under my Skin

It's All right with Me

Just One of those Things

Love for Sale

Night and Day

What is this thing called Love

You'd be so nice to come home To

Thomas brings NC Music education Legend and his high school band director, David Albert back home to Elizabeth City, NC. Together, they will present a musical tribute to Max Roach and his classic recording “RICH vs. ROACH”! This concert will be a reunion for both drummers. They both grew up in Elizabeth City and are graduates of Northeastern High School.

Joining David and Thomas are Pianist -Jim Crew, Bassist -Damon Brown, Saxophonist -Dexter Moses, Trumpeter -Curtis Olawumi, and vocalist -Jacinta Dillard.

Thomas has partnered with the Sharp Nine Gallery (with the support of Peggy Goodman)! Together, they will present a monthly educational Jazz Jam session. The month of November will feature the music of Charlie Parker. The house rhythm section is Jim Crew on Piano, Jason Foureman on Bass, and Thomas on Drums. Be sure to start learning the tunes now! The list of songs and links are below.

Apple Music Playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/9-charlie-parker-december-2024/pl.u-BNA6EJXuJ1d5R

YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO5v5afEOppHfGzWLVk6RElUAARfYpFec&si=XktG_agM36NlAfaH

Playlist songs:

Au Privave

Billie’s Bounce

Bloomdido

Blues for Alice

Confirmation

Moose the Mooche

My Little Suede Shoes

Now’s the Time

Relaxin’ At Camarillo

Yardbird Suite

Thomas will drum with Saxophonist Chad Eby and many “Jazz Education masters” from across the state of North Carolina to present a concert of holiday and Christmas music. The music of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker will be featured during this concert.

Come out and enjoy a swinging night. Bring your dance partner and your dace shoes.

Thomas has partnered with the Sharp Nine Gallery (with the support of Peggy Goodman)! Together, they will present a monthly educational Jazz Jam session. The month of November will feature the music of Sonny Rollins. The house rhythm section is the Great Joey Calderazzo on Piano, Jason Foureman on Bass, and Thomas on Drums. Be sure to start learning the tunes now! The list of songs and links are below.

Apple Music Playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/9-sonny-rollins-november-2024/pl.u-leylaRlCEjK0P

YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO5v5afEOppEn5vsPMWVltrw3xkIwdFbA&si=hCrJb3E4AD5ZdL-Z

Song List:

SonnyMoon for Two

Oleo

Airegin

Blue 7

Pent-Up House

Doxy

St. Thomas

Tenor Madness

Strode Rode

Valse Hot

Alfie’s Theme

Thomas has partnered with the Sharp Nine Gallery (with the support of Peggy Goodman)! Together, they will present a monthly educational Jazz Jam session. The month of October will feature the music of Cannonball & Nat Adderley. The house rhythm section is on Ernest Turner on Piano, Jason Foureman on Bass, and Thomas on Drums. Be sure to start learning the tunes now! The list of songs and links are below.

Cannonball & Nat Adderley Music Apple Playlist:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/9-cannonball-october-2024/pl.u-RRbVyD2I73loe

YouTube Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO5v5afEOppFI3FhZ4xbL15_rI5FuHgV-&si=0vqGJKQkqtpFOxm4

Song List:

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy

One for Daddy-O

Jive Samba

Unit 7

Work Song

Country Preacher

Fun

Sermonette

The Sticks

Sack O’Woe

Groovy Samba (by Sergio Mendes)

Trumpeter, Al Strong is bringing legendary Saxophonist Dr. Ira Wiggins and Trombone stalwart Robert Trowers to the Sharp Nine gallery! Rounding out the rhythm section is Butler Knowles on Bass, Gregory Croce on Piano, and Thomas on Drums. This epic concert will be one for the ages. You don’t want to miss this one. Be sure to get your ticket and tell your friends who love classic jazz to get theirs too.

Thomas has partnered with the Sharp Nine Gallery (with the support of Peggy Goodman)! Together, they will present a monthly educational Jazz Jam session. The month of September will feature the music of Dizzy Gillespie. The house rhythm section is on Maya Kronfeld on Piano, Jason Foureman on Bass, and Thomas on Drums. Be sure to start learning the tunes now! The list of songs and links are below.

Cedar Walton Music Apple Playlist:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/9-cedar-walton-sept-24/pl.u-6mo4e2yh3BvEK

YouTube Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO5v5afEOppGyQ3lh6rzpJPUkzHdYVw2t&si=A6rzEF7M9aFIMatc

Song List:

Bolivia

Midnight Waltz

I’m Not so Sure

Ugetsu

Hindsight

Cedar’s Blues

Mode for Joe

Martha’s Prize

Ojos de Rojo

Firm Roots

Clockwise

Mosaic

Thomas presents the 12th annual “Give the Drummer Some” benefit concert for the NCCU Jazz studies program! Our featured artist this year is North Carolina Education and drumming legend David Albert!  This year I want to continue to celebrate the 100th birthday of Max Roach (Pasquotank, NC born) by honoring the classic record Rich vs. Roach. 

All proceeds will go to the Jazz Studies scholarship fund. The concert is $40.00 and the series of workshops (5 different presentations) are $25.00, tickets can be purchased at the link:

Masterclass: https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.event&eventID=C917E78A-D207-AD07-F354B9D3B75E3117

Concert: https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.event&eventID=CA18ECC2-97AE-03DA-082681A44D497975

***Advance donations (tax deductible) can be made at https://www.nccu.edu/institutional-advancement/giving-online . 

Please make sure to scroll to "Jazz Studies Program" AND leave a note for Give the Drummer Some when donating. 

For more information, contact Thomas Taylor in the Department of Music at North Carolina Central University (919-530-6361) or go to Facebook @NCCUGiveTheDrummerSome.

Thomas will join Saxophonist Chad Eby and his quintet as he celebrates the birthday of Wayne Shorter. This is a set that you don’t want to miss! Chad always brings great arrangements and intense playing to every performance. Get your tickets early!

Thomas will join Jazz Piano legend Joey Calderazzo & vocalist Lenora Helm-Hammonds for an exciting night of music. Be sure to come experience this merging of minds and music at Missy Lane’s club.

Guitarist Baron Tymas is back in North Carolina to bring some good vibes from the great North! Thomas will hold down the drum chair as Baron introduces more of his swinging and groovy music that has influences from around the world. This is a set that you don’t want to miss!

Thomas joins pianist Jim Crew and his quartet. Guitarist, Baron Tymas and Bassist, Mike DeVito round out the group. We will play many of Jim’s great original tunes along with classic jazz and pop standards. It will be a great show. If you’re close to Clayton, NC make sure to come get a drink and listen to a set of music.

Thomas joins Tenor Saxophonist Vaughn Ambrose and his sextet at the Upscale Restaurant & Lounge in Jacksonville, NC. If you’re at the NC beach, be sure to take a short drive to Jacksonville.

Thomas continues the North Carolina tour with Tenor Saxophonist Vaughn Ambrose and his trio. If you’re in Wilmington, you want to catch this set at “Live at Ted’s”.

Thomas joins Tenor Saxophonist Vaughn Ambrose and his sextet at the Hot Jazz on the Crystal Coast Festival in Morehead City, NC. If you’re at the NC beach, be sure to attend the jazz festival.

Thomas joins local legendary jazz pianist Ed Paolantonio and his quartet at Revival 1869 in Clayton, NC. This will be a fun set that continues our country’s celebration of our independence. If you’re near Clayton, NC be sure to come join the fun!

Thomas will bring pianist, Chuckey Robinson and bassist, Kenneth Gay to celebrate JUNETEENTH and some of the great jazz piano trios. We have curated a great set of tunes to play for the fine audience at the Carol Woods retirement center.

Thomas will travel to Boone, NC to play at the High Country Jazz Festival. He will hold the drum chair at the jam session after the featured concert of vocalist Jazzmeia Horn. If you in the area, you don’t want to miss Jazzmeia’s set, then hang out late with us!

Thomas will join legendary vibraphonist Jon Metzger and Pianist Keith Waters as they lead a quartet rounded out with bassist Steve Haines. They will bring an intense set of original and standard songs to Sharp Nine Gallery. Be sure to get your tickets and tell others!

Thomas has partnered with the Sharp Nine Gallery (with the support of Peggy Goodman)! Together, they will present a monthly educational Jazz Jam session. The month of May will feature the music of Dizzy Gillespie. The house rhythm section is on Stephen Anderson on Piano, Jason Foureman on Bass, and Thomas on Drums. Be sure to start learning the tunes now! The list of songs and links are below.

Dizzy Gillespie Music Apple Playlist:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/9-dizzy-gillespie-may-2024/pl.u-b3b8Nv8Heyld3

YouTube Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO5v5afEOppF88mmsRr_vDqYFlubsw_Da&si=sovtFWPKklMkL5Ke

Song List:

Con Alma

Manteca

Salt peanuts

A Night in Tunisia

Groovin’ High

Blue N’ Boogie

Hot House

Tin Tin Deo

Birks’ Works

Shaw Nuff

Be-Bop

Woody N’ You

Oo-Shoo-Be-Doo-Be

Thomas will present a percussion workshop for the North Carolina Percussive Arts Society (NCPAS) “Davy of percussion” being held at Enloe Magnet High School. It is a day filled with percussion workshops and performances from Middle Schools, High Schools, and Colleges from across the state. Thomas’ topic "Playing to the Max!- Exploring Max Roach's drumming to improve your technique in every area of percussion" will invite all percussionists to improve their skills by looking at some key techniques from Jazz Great Max Roach. Come learn and play!

Thomas has partnered with the Sharp Nine Gallery. Together they will present a monthly educational Jazz Jam session. The month of April will feature the music of Duke Ellington. The house rhythm Section is Ernest Turner on Piano, Jason Foureman on Bass, and Thomas on Drums. Be sure to start learning the tunes now! The list of songs and links are below.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/9-duke-ellington-april-2024/pl.u-RRbV7JJT73loe

Playlist of Songs

C Jam Blues: https://youtu.be/PrEcT2Q51lw?si=egagDwJJrcI6q2Qr Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/PlCDIuASObM?si=Fgb1LZxhroXPGw_w Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/dLrC-BZiFuA?si=m1tO6sFTs5nm-fS3

Cotton Tail: https://youtu.be/Bq5LRQIJx3k?si=zsTj0_LgecFqfPcM Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/r55laPFEY0k?si=eCPoexn6zbHn8jCY

Do Nothin’ Til you Hear from Me: https://youtu.be/K2GA6zBkJqc?si=fLXx0mtVCMVrM4cq Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/wF1I5gfAIhE?si=1nzdN0figGPHPU3K & https://youtu.be/Jr92vvv9lJk?si=k7lx5c3hEdt-nBCS Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/Wpf5e2pecnI?si=gOuI2np9UROdrXaL

Don’t get around much Anymore: https://youtu.be/oZpFOl8G9Ok?si=RJ3u6TJkIL30h0wd Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/qpAFCPhAhmg?si=rakpep82iO-TvVOa

I didn’t know about you: https://youtu.be/sruKEckwR_4?si=4hxsyNZ3MGoed3OL Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/2RJH35aSf_8?si=9__xA2suVy_cg3ll & https://youtu.be/lK5R1aKqhYM?si=hwQxRxzYq20ufPHQ Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/ocMppd1CFUM?si=WCJBl8jOMc4LYYCL

I let a song go out of my heart: https://youtu.be/qMDQIYeHJv4?si=9u7iUSivsZ9zQEYG Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/oKK91PmJGLg?si=25EVpbfDMG-8Vv7E & https://youtu.be/1NcFPPH7I0M?si=jkGLgbrj5sR3sPqX Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/X-dkFjSO0-w?si=PPE-U70nEVAeVcfl

In a Mellow Tone: https://youtu.be/UGIYaqz5rI0?si=yAkkGOh5YlCU5UoW Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/DmmxJC_-F2o?si=FiO0C1xSm8TT3hHY & https://youtu.be/hvujJKMZx9U?si=P9ROfc_9tQlAQLvf Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/1MjIiLx1Nw0?si=ZorkGfrToNRcIBdP

In a Sentimental Mood: https://youtu.be/JiP7jKdAhD0?si=PgtezxlYBB3bldGc Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/8iiKxNOoWW0?si=DIptxZWxhLk-n_gJ

It don’t mean a Thing: https://youtu.be/EkjzI5oxekw?si=FAGgPaoAmPhZofpL Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/qDQpZT3GhDg?si=8sZ6FQPIWzsZiFMH & https://youtu.be/TFuF1MjmxnA?si=6JEzsPOrhu_i62B1 Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/iKu5YaDH2Hg?si=WW1-J3o30ey2BpLX

I’ve gotta be a Rug Cutter: https://youtu.be/2SThwSctW_A?si=6oG8ubvnKgfzEON2 Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/BnietuGvM8k?si=Yvsx_5XWj3Od6OjW Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/Qg8hAIeRVvM?si=EQL2gRo6r8us-7Pu

Just Squeeze Me: https://youtu.be/f_P_r_XD-Jc?si=NGhdv8RnoSbcrsNs Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/rNwzp_bIRRM?si=LEb_fNBpmXRU_uoF & https://youtu.be/lMFDGTieS-A?si=dpDY1WAkEuqM5JOG Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/Ay7R9tTRaXU?si=_RnFF9M99iBddt-c

Mood Indigo: https://youtu.be/GohBkHaHap8?si=cdGoIoIs2zXvZjjm Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/-aWMFBbSpMY?si=UrmI8o5o5ubw7k8b & https://youtu.be/jaq9Gx9GT5E?si=1yo82WlyFgKpu4Wj Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/DWHEeE95asw?si=J-947FXtkOAO896B

Perdido: https://youtu.be/CnLurnDnwOA?si=LXn755NN-RCDfyX8 Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/w36Qaxatmbo?si=p21s9UhFJPdWa9St Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/BpgS7Ct2TDM?si=J093XdtWTNoskTDB

Satin Doll: https://youtu.be/hDJ6d5dvs8k?si=53Y5UyIr__T3UF5V Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/AFDCk57icnc?si=PFO82gVWETo6wbPN Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/wTFPV1pk654?si=LSDBt1-IcR1PwILB

Things Ain’t what they used to Be: https://youtu.be/pOePGV9Utrk?si=U1xcpq-qLRGBdC2c Vocal Version: https://youtu.be/4crGNAZfxMA?si=1b7PGOBvg-WNPBJi & https://youtu.be/8jcgNMBfZCI?si=buoC6pvM_lJW49Ja Alternate Version: https://youtu.be/MTUJwxOWdt8?si=XSoWvXKnGquw0qfW

Thomas (NCCU jazz studies professor) will Join Tenor Sax and Vocalist Camille Thurman to continue to celebrate Pasquotank born and Jazz legend, Max Roach. Professor of Jazz and Piano (UNC-Ch) Stephen Anderson, professor of Jazz and Bass (NC State & UNC-Ch) Jason Foureman, Professor of Jazz and Sax (App. State) Todd Wright, Professor of Jazz and Sax (NCA&T) Jonovan Cooper, and Bassist Bethany Robinson will join Professor of Jazz and trumpet (ECSU) Douglas Jackson for an All-Star band to end the night of music and memories of Max.

Thomas returns to his hometown of Elizabeth City to continue celebrating Max Roach’s 100th birthday. He will give a drum set clinic for middle and high school students. During the clinic, he will discuss the importance and impact of Max on drumming and Jazz from the 1950’s to the present. Pianist, Stephen Anderson, Bassist, Jason Foureman, and Trumpet professor Douglas Jackson will join Thomas on the clinic.

Thomas will join pianist Jim Crew and bassist William “Mobetta” Ledbetter as they support Saxophonist Kenni Holmen. This concert is part of their music series at The Weymouth Center. Be sure to come out if you’re close to Southern Pines!

Thomas will join Joe Scalissi and pianist Brian Whitty at the Fletcher Opera Theater to celebrate “The Crooner” Dean Martin. The show will cover all of Dean’s hits. It should be a fun and memorable show. Get your tickets now!

Thomas will join Lenora’s Tribe Jazz Orchestra as they swing in the main room of Missy Lane’s in Durham, NC. Be sure to catch one of the 2 shows! First show is 6:30, second show is 9:00.