Drummer, composer, educator
Julian Drumwright is a jazz drummer based in Washington, DC known for his exquisite time-keeping and feel, musical sensitivity, and light touch. He went professional at the age of 17, playing regular gigs with some of DC's hardest hitting jazz artists.
At Berklee College of Music in Boston, Julian quickly became an in-demand drummer, performing with Grammy-winning artists such as Danilo Pérez and Luis Perdomo. In 2023, Julian was one of just twenty students to receive a full-tuition scholarship to attend Berklee’s prestigious Master of Music in Global Jazz program. He has studied with jazz masters Billy Kilson, Danilo Pérez, Brian Blade, John Patitucci, Joe Lovano, Ralph Peterson, Adam Cruz, Marion Hayden, and Jon Hazilla.
Julian’s most profound drumming influences include Jimmy Cobb, Art Blakey, Tony Williams, Ari Hoenig, and Jeff Hamilton, whose sounds he synthesizes into his historically-rooted modern jazz voice. A member of the international folk dancing community, Julian brings his love for Balkan folk music to his forthcoming debut EP, where he explores music's capacity to build and strengthen communities.
Read the full bio here.
Teaser of "Taking Flight"
Check out a few moments from my upcoming debut EP! This project was inspired by my experience becoming a part of the international folk dancing community in the Boston area and discovering how music can be used as a tool to foster stronger and more connected communities.
This composition, “Taking Flight,” uses a traditional 11/8 "Gankino" rhythm found throughout the Balkans. When I dance in this rhythm I often get this very visceral sense that I'm about to take flight, like when you're in an airplane and you feel the change in altitude in your gut. My goal with this piece is to capture that feeling.
Pavle Zvekić – piano
Jesse Katz – bass
Julian Drumwright – drum set
Performing in Panama
A clip from "Continental Shift" by Roella Oloro at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute 15th anniversary concert in Panama City in 2024.
Roella Oloro – piano
Youngchae Jeong – electric bass
Arturo Valdez Aguilar – upright bass
Julian Drumwright – drum set
Jacob Fleenor – percussion
