Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Julian is the only musician in his family. Growing up in a city synonymous with great music was his defining influence. He spent his childhood beating on anything he could find to resonate the music within, including his mother’s pots and pans, chairs and tables. At twelve years old Julian began his musical journey when his mom brought home his first drum-set and enrolled him at his local music school. At fifteen, he started to earn recognition playing in clubs with local musicians. At seventeen he received a call from a good friend, a fellow musician who was playing with Albert King, invited Julian to join them on tour as their drummer. The first time playing in a touring band, it was an unparalleled experience for a 17 year old boy from St Louis. A couple of years passed by playing to audiences all around the world until Julian got another call, this time from the legendary B.B. King who asked him to substitute and join them on a year long tour, another phenomenal experience.

Ironically the next call came from Ron Levy, the ex-piano player of B.B. King, who called Julian to join his band in Boston. Here he discovered the plethora of great conservatories and music teachers the city of Boston had to offer. Julian began his studies at the Berkley School of Music and studied alongside the great drummer Alan Dawson for 3 years. During that time he also met and collaborated with such esteemed musicians as Donald Harrison (saxophonist), Mike Stern (guitarist), Dave Kikoski (pianist), Jeff 'Tain' Watts (drummer), Marvin “Smitty” Smith (drummer) and blues musicians Otis Rush and Johnny Copeland.

It is in Boston where he also made his first album recording with the late great Johnny Copeland 'The Copeland Special.' This recording went on to win in 1981 the coveted W.C. Handy’s Best Blues Album of the Year award.

After studying and playing in Boston for four years, Julian embarked on a new adventure and moved to New York to become a touring musician with Johnny Copeland. Whilst living in the Big Apple Julian also joined the Jimmy McGriff Band as well as playing stints with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jack McDuff, Charles Earland, Kenny Garrett, Joseph Bowie's group "Defunct Lester Bowie" and Arthur Blythe.

Whilst touring the world Julian found that Barcelona, Spain, was the place he would lay his hat and call home. During his time in Barcelona he performed with touring artists like Joe Newman, Sir Charles Thompson, Lou Blackburn, Al Casey, Tete Montoliu and many others. He recorded with popular acid jazz group Princes of Time and has played at Pori Jazz Festival (Finland), Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland,) North Sea Jazz Festival (Holland), Nancy Jazz Festival (France), and Umbria Jazz Festival (Perugia, Italy).

In 2017 Julian will release his CD "Hey Lester" under Fresh Sound Records subsidiary label Swing Alley. Julian currently resides in Barcelona and continues to record and tour extensively all over Europe. As of lately he is touring with his Jazz Quartet Visions and Organ Quartet Organised Noise.

http://www.julianvaughn.com