Jonathan Mele

Rock / Jazz / Other

NYC

Billboard

Jonathan Mele is a New York City based drummer/percussionist/composer/engineer.

He is the drummer/owner of Tunnel Street Studio and ProfessionalDrumTrax.com in which he records drum tracks for singers, other musicians, songwriters, producers, etc. utilizing computers and the collaborative possibilities of the internet. Jon is working with bandmate loops (sonic emulations) - producing acoustic drum loop packages available for download.

He currently plays with U.S. based creative improvisers Equilateral, the rock band Brewster, the Jeff Holmes Big Band and the New England Jazz Ensemble. Recently, The New England Jazz Ensemble released their CD, "Live at the Pittsfield Jazz Festival" on Seabreeze records. He also occasionally plays with multi-national group The Jazz Organism, who are in the process of mixing their next release, slated for Spring/Summer 2007.

Jon earned his bachelor's degree in Jazz performance and master's degree in composition/arranging from University of Massachusetts at Amherst. While attending university, he studied with Max Roach, Billy Taylor, Yusef Lateef, Jeff Holmes, Dave Sporny, Bobby Thomas, and Fred Tillis.

Jonathan has been writing for and performing with the Nicholas Leichter Dance company since 2000. In addition, he frequently works with other dance companies, including: New York University, Long Island University, Paul Taylor Dance, and Mark Morris.

While living in Dublin, Ireland in 2004/2005, Jon had the opportunity to work with Van Morrison, and played drums on his 2005 Universal/Exile records release "Magic Time."

Jonathan has performed around the world on Stage, TV, Radio, and in recording studios, including: The Cork Jazz Festival, Bray Jazz Festival, NYC's River to River festival, Central Park's Summerstage, RTE (Ireland), Iowa City Jazz Festival, Hartford Jazz Festival, etc. Jon has played many musicals including: Tommy, A Chorus Line, Around the World, Man of La Mancha, Hello Dolly, The Wiz, Music Man, and Jesus Christ Super Star.

Jon has performed master classes and/or residencies at many high schools and universities including: the University of Wyoming, University of Northern Iowa, James Madison University, Community College of Rhode Island, Trinity College (Ireland), and more.

Jon has worked with many well-known artists including: David "Fathead" Newman, Steve Swallow, Carla Bley, Van Morrison, Sheila Jordan, Chuck Andrus, Eddie Jones, John Clayton, Ronan Guilfoyle, Michael Buckley, Sherman Irby, Max Roach, Billy Taylor, Hugh Buckley, Rob McConnell, Richie Buckley, Bob Mintzer, Patience Higgins, Eric Wyatt, Marvin Stamm, Clay Jenkins, Kim Richmond, and Adam Kolker.

Jonathan is a Yamaha performing artist and is endorsed by Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks, Evans drumheads, and Grover Pro Percussion.