We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeremy ‘BEAN’ Clemons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeremy ‘BEAN’, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Music found me in a way that felt destined. It wasn’t a conscious decision on my part; rather, the irresistible energy it exuded drew me in. Coming from a lineage deeply rooted in the tradition of Drum and Bugle, music was woven into the fabric of my family from the very beginning. Yet, it wasn’t until the brink of my high school graduation that I contemplated a career in music. Surprisingly, it wasn’t until high school that I even picked up the drum set, having spent my earlier years immersed in marching and orchestral percussion.

But oh, that exhilarating rush when everything falls into place! It’s a sensation akin to euphoria. Throughout my journey, I’ve relentlessly pursued that feeling, chasing it like a beacon guiding my career path. Because there are moments, those rare, ineffable instances, that are pure magic — ones that simply can’t be replicated. You find yourself eagerly anticipating the next wave of enchantment, knowing that it’s these moments that make the journey truly extraordinary.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Meet the rhythmic sorcerer who’s redefining the beat scene—Jeremy ‘BEAN’ Clemons. His drumming isn’t just a performance; it’s a seismic event. As Glen Hall from Exclaim.ca puts it, “If there’s a star here, besides the leader, it’s drummer Jeremy ‘Bean’ Clemons. His grooves are merciless, and his fills make the earth move.”

Hailing from St. Louis, MO, Jeremy’s journey began in the Royalaires Drum and Bugle Corps, an institution founded by his grandmother. This early exposure ignited a percussion fire that led him to Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, where he refined his skills under the guidance of Thomas Moore and Robert Edwards.

High school accolades poured in as Jeremy became a fixture in the Missouri All District and All State Jazz Ensembles. His drumming prowess also contributed to the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, claiming back-to-back World Championships in 1996 and 1997.

The rhythm maestro then took his talents to North Carolina Central University, earning a BM and BA in Jazz Studies. Under the mentorship of Ira Wiggins, Arnold George, and Thomas Taylor, Jeremy delved into the intricacies of drum set techniques, harmony, arranging, and composition.

As the heartbeat of the NCCU Jazz Ensemble, he took the stage at renowned festivals like the Carolina, Grady Tate, Montreux, and Vienne Jazz Festivals. Jazz Australia’s Adrian Jackson couldn’t help but note, “Clemons especially impressed as a young drummer with a big future ahead of him.”

Post-graduation, Jeremy made his mark in the St. Louis music scene as both a sideman and bandleader while also serving as the Assistant Band Director at Normandy High School. In 2003, he made the bold move to Brooklyn, NY, catching the attention of the great Freddy Cole, who recommended him to Grammy-Nominated Vocalist/Pianist Andy Bey.

For two transformative years (2004-2006), Jeremy globe trotted with the Andy Bey Quartet, simultaneously laying down beats for Electronic Music luminary DJ Carl Craig. Jazz Australia’s Martin Jackson observed, “When drummer Jeremy ‘BEAN’ Clemons cut loose, he unquestionably demonstrated that there is still a huge difference in skills levels.”

Currently, Jeremy is the drummer for Reggae legend, BURNING SPEAR.

Clemons also co-pilots the groundbreaking band Soul Understated with the incomparable vocalist/composer Mavis ‘SWAN’ Poole. It’s not just a band; it’s a cosmic collision of musical forces. Beyond being a drumming virtuoso, Jeremy is a bandleader, composer, and producer, making Soul Understated a one-of-a-kind sonic journey. As they say, “Creations like this truly come once in a lifetime.” Brace yourselves; the rhythmic revolution is here, and Jeremy ‘BEAN’ Clemons is at the helm, ready to make the world move to his beat.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
These are Spots in Durham, NC where I currently Live.

Kingfisher
Missy Lanes
Queeny’s
Bojangles
Lime and Lemon
BreakAlive Studios (My Partner and I Studio)
Cosmic Cantina
Monterrey Mexican Grill
North Carolina Central University

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mother – Rochelle Clemons My Grandmother – Gail Clemons
My Sister – Patreece Clemons
My grandfather – Bernard Clemons
My Mentor – Robert Edwards
Distance Mentor – Ronald Carter
Andy Bey (First Person to take me in their touring band)
Freddy Cole
Dr. Ira Wiggins

Instagram: @soulunderstated

Twitter: @SUOFFICIAL

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvKojGK5PpU&t=2s

Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dSKx7_4nbM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU0iCW5ynxw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvUvZ6j2izI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhjM1OWtE7A&list=OLAK5uy_mp0rX8Dk3vaXxaYSdOWXL2YemvLbFsq9U&index=8

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