JORDAN YOUNG
PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY



	Born in Detroit, MI in 1978 music was always a continuous presence in Jordan's upbringing. His earliest musical influences came from his mother's vast record collection, which included classical, jazz and classic rock. He began to play drums at age ten, immediately falling in love with the instrument. As soon as he was good enough, he started playing in local rock, punk and heavy metal bands. His first experience playing jazz was in high school jazz band, where he was first chair all four years. His exposure to a variety styles at an early age helped him to become the versatile and creative musician he is today.
	Eventually, Jordan attended the Jazz Studies Program at The University of Michigan, where he refined his drumming and compositional skills. In Ann Arbor, he was consistently sought out to perform with local groups with styles ranging from jazz to pop to avant-garde. Simultaneously, he was hanging at more jam sessions in the Metro-Detroit Area, which led to gigs with Detroit jazz legends Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave, Teddy Harris, Jr., James Carter, and Rodney Whitaker. Meanwhile, at the University of Michigan, Jordan was taken under the wing of world-renowned drummer and composer, Gerald W. Cleaver. Studying with Gerald, Jordan really began to dig deep into world of jazz drumming, absorbing himself in the music of master drummers like Art Blakey, Jimmy Cobb, and "Philly" Joe Jones. During the five years Jordan spent at Michigan he dedicated himself to this music: practicing, playing and gigging as much as humanly possible.
	Upon encouragement from his mentors, Jordan moved to New York City to become an active part of the NYC jazz scene. As soon as he arrived, he began studying with world class educator John Riley, earning his masters from Manhattan School of Music.  Other teachers and mentors such as Carl Allen and Kenny Washington have helped to shape Jordan's playing as well. Jordan leads a jazz organ group based in New York City, The Jordan Young Group.  The group has been a working unit in various capacities since 2009.  The individuals in the group, while rooted in the jazz tradition, come together to form and create a modern organ group sound. Their range of influences creates a deep and diverse musical palette.  Naturally, the JYG is inspired by classic 60's organists such as Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Larry Young and Melvin Rhyne, too name a few. Influence from non "jazz" artists such as Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Webb, and Burt Bacharach contribute to the creation of a sound that is well-rounded and appealing to many diverse audiences.  They can create colorful musical ambiances from slow and mysterious to bright and upbeat.  These variations of musical textures are bound to leave the listeners inspired.  The group's aim is to engage the audience with their fresh sound, taking them on a musical journey where past and present combine. 
	 Their first self - titled recording, "The Jordan Young Group" was a successful collaboration and clear example of four unique voices merging together to create a unified and cohesive sound.  Jordan's sophomore recording "Cymbal Melodies" was released by Posi - Tone records on September 11, 2012.  It has received rave reviews.  The group continues to perform at renowned New York City jazz clubs and venues such as Smoke, Smalls, Cleopatra's Needle, Arturo's, Fat Cat, Silver Lining, Little Branch, to name a few and performs weekly as the house band at TriBeCa jazz lounge B Flat. 
	Currently, Jordan resides in Brooklyn, NY.  He is on faculty at The Music School of Westchester and maintains an active private teaching studio.

With the planet moving at 100 miles per hour, not slowing down one bit.
We're all looking some sort of escapism to escape the hustle and bustle of
everyday life. So just image going to a theme park with giant roller coaster to
fulfill all your thrills. Well lock yourself in in. AS the roller coaster start gaining
traction through your hand up and scream as loud as you can, because this
is the ride  your life. At the end of the as I quote Maxiums "R U NOT ENTERTAINED!!"

Followers of The Jordan Young Group