Jonathan Barber

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Barber has been playing drums since the age of five, initially falling in love with the instrument through watching his father perform in the family church. Early influences also include George Duke, Fred Hammond, Weather Report, Yellowjackets and Commissioned, and classic jazz titans like Miles Davis, Jackie Mclean, Art Blakey, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Tony Williams and Thelonious Monk.

In recent years, Barber has stepped forth as a composer and leader with his band “Vision Ahead”, featuring saxophonist Godwin Louis, guitarist Andrew Renfroe, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, and pianist Taber Gable. Released on Rockwood Music Hall’s largest stage in May 2018, Vision Ahead is a powerful declaration of intent for a band that’s been making waves on the modern jazz scene. The group’s blend of classic, swinging jazz with elements of gospel, rock, soul and fusion is a compelling showcase of Barber’s broad stylistic range as a composer and performer.

Jonathan Barber describes "Legacy Holder", his sophomore album - "As I begin to define this term I’ve come to the realization that a Legacy Holder isn’t the state of a person holding or carrying something but a person being in the position of taking on responsibility and leading through action.