ABOUT JOE DYSON
“Although he has a command of many modern drumming styles, Dyson always filters those influences through a distinctive New Orleans swing.
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New Orleans native Joe Dyson has certainly been one to watch. He started playing music in his family's church at just two years old. After being noticed for his peculiar talent, Joe was placed in the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp where he was shadowed by the late, great clarinetist Alvin Batiste, and his longtime bandleader and mentor, alto saxophonist Donald Harrison. He went on to graduate from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), and earned a Presidential Scholarship to his alma mater Berklee College of Music.
Joe has shared the stage with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ellis Marsalis, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Jon Batiste, Leo Nocentelli, Sullivan Fortner, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Pedrito Martinez, Grammy Award winners Nicholas Payton and Pat Metheny among others.
As a musician, Joe has traveled across the globe extensively. Having touched almost every continent, he has performed throughout North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa. He has appeared on over 30 albums, including releases by Dr. Lonnie Smith ALL IN MY MIND, (Blue Note Universal Records), Sullivan Fortner's ARIA (Impulse Universal Records) and Christian aTunde Adjuah's Grammy Nominated EMANCIPATION PROCRASTINATION (Ropeadope Records).
In addition to touring and recording, Joe has made appearances on the HBO hit series TREME, and can be seen performing in the documentary titled Been In The Storm Too Long, hosted by Tavis Smiley. He can also be heard on the movie soundtrack Rachel Getting Married, by the late, Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme.
In 2012, Joe created an annual benefit concert entitled, “Christmas in Treme.” It takes place at his family’s church, Holy Faith Temple B.C. also known as “The Treme Church.” The proceeds help fund outreach programs, including Food and Pantry, Computer Literacy and Vacation Bible School.
In addition to recording and touring, Joe has taught combos, master classes, and given lectures throughout the U.S. and Europe. More notable places include The New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music; NOCCA Riverfront; and Södra Latin (Sweden). He is also apart of the collegiate roster at Tulane University as Adjunct Professor.
