Masumi Jones

Austin, Texas drummer originally from Tokyo, Japan. Masumi Jones focused her career as a drummer-composer in Austin TX. She started performing as a drummer at age 14. She graduated from Waseda University and Berklee College of Music with a degree in Professional Music. She began working in Boston and moved back to Japan in 2000. She debuted as a member of The Blue Aeronauts Orchestra to obtain a contract with major recording company Avex in 2004. In 2008, she returned to the US and worked in Texas. In October 2011, she participated in the Shanghai International Arts Festival, playing drums for the American Jazz Tap Show for a month as a member of the official American culture & art ambassador. In 2013, Jones won the Best Jazz Band and also the Best Drummer in the Austin Chronicle Music Awards. It was the first time in 32 years that an Asian woman was ranked #1 in all categories. Currently Masumi is a member of the Jitterbug Vipers, the Rich Harney Trio, the Jon Blondell Trio, the Tapestry Dance Company (since 2010), and 35mm, in addition to working as a freelance jazz drummer.