Jordan Kowalski

Jordan Kowalski is an American jazz drummer, percussionist, educator, and composer based in Madison, Wisconsin. Known for his eclectic global influences, his musical style bridges the gap between deeply rooted acoustic jazz traditions and experimental, avant-garde contemporary music.

Musical Background & Profile

• Instruments: Drum kit and varied percussion gear.

• Education: He holds prestigious collegiate music degrees from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and the University of Wisconsin.

• Artistic Philosophy: He approaches the drum set as a tool for community building and connectedness, utilizing highly versatile, cross-genre collaborations.

Active Bands & Key Projects

Kowalski performs heavily in the Midwest jazz circuit, steering multiple local projects and rhythm sections:

• Jordan Kowalski Trio: A collaborative group featuring a rotating lineup of regional standout musicians—often operating as the Kowalski/Ferris/Johnson Trio—that re-imagines classic jazz standards, video game music soundtracks (such as a live arrangement of Bomberman Hero), and modern pop hits.

• The Roman Sextet: A hard-hitting traditional jazz ensemble that performs dedicated tribute sets honoring historical titans like Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.

• Co. Mingle & Dicot: Local Madison ensembles that lean into contemporary fusion and collaborative experimental sounds.

• Collaborative Releases: He performs on regional jazz records, including the live jazz-fusion project Live at the Cheesecooler.

Music Education & Directing

In addition to his touring and residency profile at Madison venues like the North Street Cabaret and the Mason Lounge, Kowalski works to preserve jazz history for the next generation:

• Jazz Band Director: He serves as a resident small group director and music educator for the Vel Phillips Memorial High School Bands (VPM).

• Concert Composition: He branches into large-scale writing, having composed an original multi-movement concert band suite specifically for the Mosinee Community Symphonic Band.