Beginnings
Westley Joseph started out in music from the tender age of 4 playing the steel pan at infant school, giving him his first taste of music. He went onto playing the recorder and violin, achieving a grade 7 by the age of 11. Westley was first introduced to the drum kit at the age of 8 as a member of his primary school pan group, and showed an instant talent for the instrument. Westley went onto secondary school, picking more instruments up along the way including the Bass, clarinet and piano.
Growth
During this time his love for music led him to accompany his older sister to the local community centre where she attended music workshops. One day Westley was asked by the workshop members if he wanted to join in. His ability on the drums impressed the workshop members so much that he became accepted into the group as its only child member at the age of 12. As a result of being a member of this workshop community Westley started to be offered work as a drummer for local artists by the age of 14. One of his mentors bought him his first drum kit at the age of 15, as his work as drummer became intensified
International Success
Westley Joseph’s career has taken him all over the world time and time again. Making his living as a successful freelance musician based in London has allowed him to perform in all different musical styles and genres while continuing to challenge him to grow. "I enjoy playing in different contexts all the time. I love playing in a big band one night and then having to switch gears and play in a reggae band or a swingin' jazz trio the next night." For Westley, the energy on stage sets the tone and continues to be inspired by the situation. Westley has toured extensively over the years to all corners of the world including Asia, Europe, the USA, the Caribbean and Africa.
Genres
Jazz
Westley is at home in the Jazz world, having playing with some of the top Jazz artists on the scene. Westley has also performed on stage with the likes of American jazz Legends like Gerald Albright, Nathan East, Steve Cole, Paul Taylor, Eric Darius, Bob Baldwin,Marion Meadows, Chris Standring, Everette Harp, Tom Braxton, Warren Hil, Michael Lington, Joey Sommerville as well as the equivalent in UK Jazz like Courtney Pine, Ray Carless, Jason Yarde, Denys Baptiste Alan Weeks, and Julie Dexter He recently performed with Brian Culbertson, Peter White, Kirk Whalum,Paul Jackson Jr, Richard elliot, Jackeim Joyner, Brian Simpson Keiko Matsu and Paul brown. A few months back Westley featured on the legendary Kirk Whalum's new album alongside greats such as Marcus Mller.
Soul/R&B/
Westley has grown up in the world of soul and it is a genre close to his heart. He has collaborated with greats such as Westley has also shared the stage and supported artists like Stevie wonder, Bob James, Kool and the Gang, Lalah Hathaway, Sounds of Blackness, jimmy cliff, Anthony B, Seun Kuti.
Africa
Sona Jobarteh, Aster Aweke, Dele Sosimi, Geraldo Pino, Sonti Mndebele, Kologbo, Abdul khiar, Gossaye, Mahmoud Ahmed, Jah Lude and Natty
Hip Hop
Westley has played alongside and recorded with many well renowned artists and musicians in many musical styles and fields including He has also worked with in the world of traditional African music. Currently Westley is still recording, gigging and touring with many different outfits and artists including Roachford, Loose Ends, Omar, Eric Roberson, Avery Sunshine, Anastacia, Don E, Akala, Bashy, The Soothsayers, ‘The Streets’ Leo the Lion, The Mitchell Brothers, Mary Pearce (Primal Scream, Mica Paris, Beverly knight) Imaani (incognito), Louise Marshal (Jools Holland) and Jo Harman
Reggae/Soca & Calypso
Reggae: Lucky Dube, Janet Kay, Carol Thompson, Caron Wheeler, IWayne, Winston Reedy, Victor Romero Evans, Errol Dunkley, Sylvia Tella, Horace andy, Trevor Walters, Joy Mack, Cornel Campbell, Michael Prophet, Natty, Dexter Daps. Soca/Calypso: Machel Montano, David Rudder, Alison Hinds, Superblue, Baron, Ronnie McIntosh, Iwer George, Shadow, The mighty sparrow, Nigel & Marvin Lewis to name a few in the Soca and Calypso world,