JT is humbled and proud to say that he was recently featured as the "the hardest working drummer in the Twin Cities" by The Star Tribune:

  (http://m.startribune.com/meet-j-t-bates-the-hardest-working-drummer-in-the-twin-cities/392761291/) 

2016 has been a busy one indeed, and its not over yet!  Upcoming projects: recording with Frankie Lee for Loose Music/Thirty Tigers, a South American tour with the great improvisers Tony Malaby and William Parker, and two shows with Real Bulls (drums only band with Bad Plus drummer David King). All of this coming off celebrating being married in June(!) and earlier 2016 tours with Phil Cook and the Guitarheels(Thirty Tigers) which included some very memorable gigs like the Newport Folk Festival with guests The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Eaux Claires festival with guests Bruce Hornsby and Justin Vernon.  Continuing all the while to perform at the Jazz Implosion series monday nights at Icehouse in Minneapolis, including stellar trio night with Todd Clouser and the great John Medeski, as well as presenting shows like Tim Berne's Snakeoil, and Ches Smiths trio featuring Craig Taborn and Mat Maneri.