Jo Sallins

Jo Sallins, a Multi-Instrumentalist, Performer, Educator, Producer and Recording Artist, began his musical career at the age of nine. After 17 years of orchestral drumming lessons with Jim Calapaletis, he expanded his skillsets even further. Jo studied African and Latin drumming with Marshall Small and Alvin Abu Carter for 13 years.  Jo mastered the Drum set under the direction of Billy Arnold while learning to improvise in the traditions and styles of Funk, Fusion, and Jazz. After listening to the album "Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy" with Chick Corea and the band Return To Forever. Jo decided to teach himself how to play Electric Bass and Keyboards. Mr. Sallins has enjoyed a career in music spanning four decades and shows no sign of slowing down. His International touring began as leader of his band New Star. He continued to play with a variety of musicians in Asia, Canada, West Africa, and in the US.

Jo met Chick Corea in 2002 at which time he had the opportunity to give Mr. Corea a song in tribute to him entitled "Epic Mind" from Jo's Double CD (DVD) Ripple Effect.  Jo named his first CD (DVD) “Ripple Effect” providing a visual image of how music has affected his life.   His greatest musical influence was James Brown, “the godfather of soul”.  After meeting James, the conversation became a symbolic drop of water at the surface which created rings moving outward while connecting Jo to new musicians and people with positive experiences. 

Jo’s philosophy: find your talent, perfect your talent, and share it with the world.  He encourages and supports others to find their talent, whatever that may be.  With Jo’s new found perspective, he created La’Jaz Productions, the platform for the music education programming.  The music education program offers drum circles, residencies, clinics, master classes, school performances, after school programs, student recordings, jazz ensembles, and teacher professional development. Since 1993, Jo has worked with the School Systems in the USA and abroad. Among Jo's many accomplishments, he has had the humbling opportunity to establish memberships with the Massachusetts Cultural Council Events & Residency Roster, New England Foundation for the Arts Touring Roster, and BOCES Arts Organization for upstate New York.

Jo’s new band, Two Man Trio (2M3), features his drummer and himself displaying his unique skill of playing the bass and keyboard simultaneously.   The 2M3 has performed at many events such as 2016 Berkshire Hills Music Academy Concert/Workshop (South Hadley, MA), 2015-2016 Indie Soul Fest (Springfield, MA), 2015-2016 Stone Soul Festival (Springfield, MA), 2015 Vibe Festival (Woodstock, NY), 2012-2014 Gokh-Bi System (US Tour), 2012 Yoshi’s (San Francisco, CA),  2008 Montreal Jazz Festival (Quebec, Canada), 2007 Hoop City Jazz and Arts Festival (Springfield, MA), and 1998-Present Extensive School Program Touring (USA).  In 2011, he was awarded a Brother Rick Award for Excellence in Jazz Performances.  

Additional performances with numerous artists such as Alvin Ailey, Frank Hatchett, Vishu Wood, Matt “Guitar” Murphy of the Blue Brothers (1 year), Dan Akroyd (1 show) Doug Johns, Stanley Jordan, Ed Vadas, Michael Gregory, David Newman, Ellis Hall and Gokh-bi System, Marvin “Smitty” Smith – former Drummer for “The Tonight Show” band, Stanley Clarke – Bassist from Chick Corea’s RTF Ensemble.  Additional highlights include him opening for Mongo Santamaria, Yusso N’dour, Koko Taylor, Junior Wells with Ed Vadas and the Fabulous Heavyweights, Al B. Sure, Kool and the Gang, Chaka Khan, Baaba Maal, Najee, and Gerald Albright. Without a doubt, Jo’s respect for fellow musicians along with an interactive connection with both domestic and global audiences has catapulted his career as an incredible performer and inspirational educator.