Joshua Dixon

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Victoria BC drummer Josh Dixon this past week. Although I lost touch with Josh when I moved to Montreal in 1993 he meant a great deal to me as a young drummer trying to find my way in the world of jazz.

Josh was one of the first real jazz drummers that I ever saw perform live. I’ll never forget him coming to my high school when I was in grade nine and playing in a trio with pianist Louis Rose and bassist Russ Botten. After that I made a habit of going to check him out at the restaurants and cafes around town when ever I could. Eventually he started giving me the opportunity to sit in on his gigs, always offering encouragement and advice. He gave me a few formal lessons but most importantly he was always happy to hang out and talk about playing music.

Josh turned me on to many great records and inspired my love of funky old drums and cymbals with his Ludwig Jazzette kit and his dad’s old K he used on every gig back in the early 1990′s. I’m sure there are many Victoria musicians and music fans who have fond memories of seeing Josh with Dave Keen at Pagliacci’s or burning it up with Terry, Noah, Mike and Sean at Ferris’ on Yates, or perhaps more recently his excellent roots drumming with Lionel Leroy Ward. He was a tremendous talent.

Josh was one of a kind and a true gentleman. He will be missed.

• January 20, 2012
• General Stuff
• 3 comments