Brian Melvin

A solid straight-ahead drummer, Brian Melvin may be most notable for leading a trio date with pianist Jon Davis that would be electric bassist Jaco Pastorius’ final recording, Standards Zone on the Global Pacific label. Melvin was first introduced to jazz when he saw the Buddy Rich big band. When he was eight, Melvin received a snare drum and a cymbal for Christmas. He developed quickly and by the time he began high school, he was playing at teen club dances and jamming regularly with rock groups. Growing up in San Francisco, Melvin had opportunities to see many of the top jazz drummers at Keystone Korner and in time he became a top freelance drummer in the city. He also spent periods of time living in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and New York (where he led the house band at the Blue Note for eight months). Brian Melvin’s experiences include playing with Archie Shepp, Dave Kikoski, and Mike Stern, among others; recording extensively while in Europe; and leading sets for Timeless and Global Pacific. ~ Scott Yanow