Koko Jones

Koko Jones, (AKA: Koko Jones Xtravaganza) formerly known as Bujo Kevin Jones,^[1] is an African-American transgender jazz percussionist and band leader^[2] based in New Jersey. Bill Milkowski of JazzTimes described her first album, Tenth World, produced by Babatunde Lea, as combining "the spirit of Africa with modern jazz on her impressive debut."^[3] Jones's music takes influence from music of Cuba and Congo.^[4] Jones grew up in Englewood, New Jersey where her musicianship was nourished through the fertile artistic background of her family and the talented enclave that this small town offers. As a teenager she boasts to have teachers such as percussionists Babatunde Lea, Marvin "Bugalu" Smith, Congolese drummers Titos Sompa and Coster Massamba, Charli Persip and Max Roach. She played percussion professionally at the early age 13 with a group called "Spoonbread" who were signed to All Platinum Records of Englewood, NJ. She studied music at the University of Massachusetts and Jazzmobile simultaneously until 1979 when her Professor, saxophonist Archie Shepp, took her on tour to Europe where she recorded her second album. Just months later she was hired by The Isley Brothers and toured and later recorded a host of records with them. The association with The Isley's led to numerous opportunities one of which was several tours with Whitney Houston and many others.

Her transition from male to female took place in 1991 which left a gap in her musical work history until 1999 when she was forced to present as a male in order to have full custody of her child. She transitioned back in 2008.

Jones has performed with Whitney Houston, The Isley Brothers, Jermaine Jackson, Archie Shepp, Charles McPherson, Winard Harper, Ray Copeland, Talib Kibwe, Babatunde Lea, James Weidman, Clifford Adams, and Malaki Ma Congo Drum and Dance Ensemble^[5]

Tenth World

Tenth World is the name of Jones's band when she was presenting as Kevin Jones. Her band mates were Kelvin Sholar (piano), Jamieo Brown (drums, percussion), Brian Horton (saxophone and flute), George Makinto (flute, percussion, African percussion), Kevin Louis (trumpet), Luisito Quintero (timbales, percussion, drums)

Her new project will be forthcoming on Motéma Music. The Koko Jones Band includes singers Derrick Dupree and Christelle Durandy, Pianist Zen Zadravec, Drummer Jerard Snell, Guitarist Michael "Moon" Reuben and Bassist Charles Brown. Miss Jones continues to be produced by Babatunde Lea who remains a teacher and confidant to Miss Jones.

Discography

As a support musician

• "Free Bop" - Charles McPherson (Xanadu Records, 1978)
• "Attica Blues Big Band Live at Palais De Glace" - Archie Shepp (Blue Marge Records)
• "Grand Slam" - The Isley Brothers (T-Neck Records/CBS 1980)
• "The Isley Brothers Live"- The Isley Brothers (T-Neck Records/CBS 1980)
• "The Beat Of Love" - Randy VanWarmer - (1982)
• "Inside You" - The Isley Brothers (T-Neck Records/CBS 1981)
• "The Real Deal" - The Isley Brothers (T-Neck Records/CBS 1982)
• "Between The Sheets" - The Isley Brothers (T-Neck/CBS 1983)
• "Broadway's Closer To Sunset Boulevard" - Isley, Jasper, Isley (T-Neck/CBS 1984)
• "Caravan Of Love" - Isley, Jasper, Isley (T-Neck/CBS 1985)
• "Different Drummer" - Isley, Jasper, Isley (T-Neck/CBS 1987)
• "Soul-Jazz Collaboration" - Chuck McPherson (Independent 1998)
• "Listening Room" - Clifford Adams (2000)
• "Spiritually Speaking" Blaze (featuring Kevin Hedge/Josh Milan) (2002)
• "Soul Pools" - Babatunde Lea (Motema Music 2003)
• "Rhythm Master" - Vincent Ector (Blues Leaf 2003)
• "Time For The Soul" - Winard Harper Sextet (Savant records 2003)
• "Keepers Of The Flame" - Charles Earland Tribute Band (Highnote 2003)
• "Hip Cake Walk" - Papa John DeFrancesco (Highnote 2003)
• "Be Thankful" - Omar featuring Angie Stone (2004)
• "Suite Unseen: Summoner Of The Ghost" - Babatunde Lea (Motema Music 2005)
• "Make It Happen" - Winard Harper Sextet (Savant Records 2006)
• "Synthesis" - Norman Simmons (Savant Records 2002)
• "Percussion Madness" - Luisito Quintero (Vega Records 2006)
• "Aftershower Funk" - The Fantastic Souls (Kay Dee Records 2010)
• "Soul To The People" - The Fantastic Souls (Kay Dee Records 2010)

As a Leader

• "SunRize" - Sunrize (Boardwalk Records 1981)
• "Land Of Eternal Tranquil Light" (Tenth World Music 2000)
• Tenth World (Motéma Music, 2005)
• Live! (Motéma Music, 2008)

References

1. ↑ WITF - Event Details View - Koko Jones: Concert and Conversation
2. ↑ http://www.gettysburg.edu/about/offices/college_life/cps/.../WhosthatLady.pdf
3. ↑ Jazz Albums: Tenth World"Bujo" Kevin Jones — By Bill Milkowski — Jazz Articles
4. ↑ Bujo Kevin Jones & 10th World | Culture Beat
5. ↑ Review: "Bujo" Kevin Jones - Tenth World - Blogcritics Music

External links

• Official Site
• Bujo Kevin Jones at Motéma Music