Enoch Jamal “E.J.” Strickland is a world-class, world-traveled drummer, composer and artist heard on over 60 albums in the last 10 years.
E.J.
quickly graduated into New York’s gigging jazz scene, playing with the greatest names in contemporary music. He has long stints with Ravi Coltrane,
Russell Malone, Marcus Strickland, Manuel Valera and also had opportunities to work on occasion with artists like Wynton Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson,
Herbie Hancock and many others.
Influenced by wonderful drummers (Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Cobb, Tony Williams, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Brian Blade), he rapidly developed
his own eclectic and creative style. Variety of influence and interest might be the key words for E.J. in his musical approach.
He reminds us: “You’re not going to hear a traditional jazz drummer. You’re going to hear someone who’s drawing from many different styles, many different
approaches. That’s what my true voice is. And I always try to remember that music is fun!”
These days, E.J. finds himself writing music more than anything else and focusing on being a bandleader and a musician, creating great vehicles for his
band to play on. He is also touring all over the world with Ravi Coltrane, Manuel Valera, Brandee Younger, Reggie Washington, Dave Weiss, Christian
Sands, ...
In “Warriors For Peace”, E.J. has created an opus dedicated to all those who understand that to achieve peace, equality and justice in this world, one
must break the silence and be proactive. The musicians of the album, Godwin Louis, Jure Pukl, Taber Gable and Josh Ginsburg, have helped him immensely
in the musical translation of this concept.
Armed with the power and complexity of his drumming, E.J. Strickland continues to clear a path for himself in the jazz world and beyond. A path that can
only grow wider in the years to come!
E.J. is available for drum lessons by Skype during this coronavirus crisis !
E.J STRICKLAND QUINTET - "WARRIORS FOR PEACE"
E.J. STRICKLAND QUARTET - "PADS N LOOPS"
E.J. STRICKLAND "TRANSIENT BEINGS"
"Strickland shows keen compositional skills, favoring melodicism, hip harmonies, strong rhythmic drive" - Downbeat (USA)
"Excellent" - Jazz FM (UK)
4 stars - Jazz Magazine (France)
"What a great album ! Jazz and beyond. Groove and spirit. Fun and réflexion." - Jazzques (Belgium)
