From Funk Legend to Fatherhood: James Jones on Breakwater, Balance, and Musical Legacy

In this special Father’s Day edition of “loves music,” I sit down with my dad—James Jones, drummer of the legendary Philly funk band Breakwater—for a conversation that’s part history lesson, part love letter to music, and part family moment. We dig into his upbringing in Germantown during the golden era of soul and jazz, how neighborhood bands shaped his ear, and what it was like coming up in one of the funkiest bands of the late ’70s. From backing singers in church basements to opening for Earth, Wind & Fire, he breaks down the journey with honesty, humility, and a few laughs at my expense.

We Chat About:

• The culture of music in 1960s Philadelphia and how it kept kids off the streets
• Sneaking down to the basement to play records and mimic drummers with makeshift kits
• His natural talent for rhythm, and the scarcity of snare drum spots in school
• Early jam sessions in church that led to forming Breakwater
• What made Philly’s funk scene competitive but collaborative
• Breakwater’s unique sound and why they didn’t want to be the “next Earth, Wind & Fire”
• Opening for icons and the moment they almost had to cut a disco track
• Why he stepped away from the band, and how becoming a father changed his priorities
• The unexpected comeback, playing shows in London, and Daft Punk sampling their work in Iron Man 2
• His thoughts on legacy, musical advice for young artists, and what’s next for Breakwater’s third act

About James Jones:

James Jones is most widely known as the drummer of Breakwater.  Breakwater is a Philadelphia-based funk band known for its tight musicianship, genre-blending sound, and futuristic funk grooves. Formed in the early seventies, Breakwater made major waves in the Philadelphia funk scene from ‘78 to '81 with two classic albums, one of which was self-titled and the other, “Splashdown Time.”

After time away from Breakwater to raise a family and pursue other musical endeavors, James rejoined the band in 2010. The band, still comprised of five original members, was met with a warm reception and continued to sell out venues as if they had never split. A musical cameo in Iron Man 2 helped expand their visibility.  At seventy-plus, the band still has new music on the horizon and concert dates on the calendar.

James currently resides in Telford, PA.  Now, a grandfather (and great-grandfather), he is known for his warm smile and generous spirit and is a joy to all those he encounters.

A world-class musician. A top-tier human being. A loving father. Dad.

Connect with James:

Check out his band Breakwater: https://breakwaterband.net/home

Listen to Splashdown: https://open.spotify.com/album/6CFk2Y7zBFu4IKVHygADD8?si=TO7SgXB0TCah4c8VUgdArQ

Listen to Breakwater: https://open.spotify.com/album/7tyabLKdSeJuw5xRkmTLgz?si=jgKHKVNnQDSAgS5LYEKfGg

Connect with Julian:

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Buy my book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL

Music Mentioned in this Episode:

Songs:

•  “Girl from Ipanema”
• “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”
• “Sonny”
• “Help Me” – Joni Mitchell
• “Me Mistreater” – Grand Funk Railroad
• “Samba Pa Ti” – Santana
• “Get the Funk Out Ma Face” – The Brothers Johnson
• “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” – McFadden & Whitehead
• “No Limit” – Breakwater
• “Release the Beast” – Breakwater
• “Work It Out” – Breakwater
• “Get Down to Your Dancing” (unreleased disco track)
• “I Just Wanna Stop” – Gino Vannelli
• “Time Is on Your Side” – Earth, Wind & Fire
• “Remember the Children” – Earth, Wind & Fire
• “Robot Rock” – Daft Punk (samples “Release the Beast”)

Artists & Bands:

• Breakwater
• Earth, Wind & Fire
• Santana
• Joni Mitchell
• Grand Funk Railroad
• Brian Auger
• Jose Feliciano
• The Temptations
• The Intruders
• The Ambassadors
• Gino Vannelli
• Daft Punk
• The Brothers Johnson
• McFadden & Whitehead
• Sister Sledge
• Chain Reaction
• The Soul Devaliants (later Forces of Nature)
• Natural Soul Brothers
• Forces of Nature
• Tower of Power
• Chicago
• Luther Vandross
• Allen Stone
• Teddy Swims
• Gerald Albright