Don Littleton is an accomplished percussionist. His mastery of an enticing array of instruments in his art has uniquely endowed him with the finesse to span many genres, encompassing orchestral, musical theater, rhythm and blues, hip hop, reggae, blues, and is especially proficient in all styles of jazz.

His playing talents include Cajón (box drums), Timbales, Trap Drums, Bongo Drums, Conga Drums, Maracas, Claves, Conga, Cuíca, Djembe, Shekere, and other percussion instruments. A veteran of the Jazz club circuit, Don got his first introduction into music in junior high school and high school. He then took his considerable talents to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he was a member of Multi-Jazz Orchestra. There he honed his skills under the tutelage of Alvin Batiste. Don was also a member of the Luckman Jazz Orchestra, directed by James Newton. Don has used his talents on numerous recordings, including his debut EP entitled 'Collage' which is a collaboration with his brother, Jeffery Littleton. Past appearances/performances: BET on Jazz, Long Beach Jazz Festival (Performed with the legendary Hank Crawford), Jazz at Drew Jazz Festival (Performed with jazz legend Stanley Turrentine), Monterey Blues Festival, Armenia International Jazz Festival with Gary Kesayan, 10 day tour of Mexico, Three month tour of Korea, Appeared in the movies Dangerous Women and The Little Richard Story. Performed as part of the orchestra in on stage theatrical production "Purlie" (Pasadena Playhouse) starring Loretta Devine. Has collaborated and performed with Roberta Flack, Hank Crawford, Stanley Turrentine, Cannonball Adderly, Pharoah Sanders, and countless other esteemed Jazz and Blues musicians. Recordings: The Littleton Brothers Live with Bobby Watson- Collage (Debut EP), David Dahlsten- Study Your Own Heart, Karl Denson- Blackened Red Snapper, Rick Zunigar- Organ Trio, Roberto Miranda- KB's Studio in Westwood.

He chose to go to Southern University in Louisiana and this was the place Cannonball Adderley found him to play with his quartet in front of the Louisiana Symphony. Since then he has performed with Kenny Burrell, Art Davis, Andy Simpkins, Larry Gales, Al McKibben, Eddie Harris, John Heard, Billy Childs, Ernie Andrews, Billy Higgins, and Roberta Flack. Don performs in a vast array of musical environments. 

 

 

FILMS, STAGE, AND TELEVISION:

"Purlie" theatrical production with Loretta Devine - Pasadena Playhouse - Orchestra BET on Jazz
The Little Richard Story
Dangerous Women

Soul Train
Jazz in the Modern Era with Chet Hanley

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SELECTED APPEARANCES:

Charlie Lewis Ensemble                                                                                       Guadalajara, Mexico

Young-Soo Kim/Gary Harris                                                                                South Korea Concert Tour

David Ornette Cherry                                                                                            Sardinia, Italy Intl Jazz Fest

David Ornette Cherry                                                                                           Austria - Vienna Intl Jazz Fest,

Phil Ranelin                                                                                                           Guadalajara
Scott Martin Band                                                                                                 Japan Concert Tour 
Jimmie McElroy                                                                                                    Monterey Blues Fest                                                           

Klique                                                                                                                    Continental US Tour 
Otis Day & the Knights                                                                                         Continental US Tour 

Charles Owens                                                                                                       Utah Jazz Winterfest 
Stanley Turrentine                                                                                                 Jazz at Drew Jazz Festival
Hank Crawford                                                                                                      Long Beach Jazz festival
Littleton Brothers                                                                                                   Playboy Jazz Festival

Gary Kesayan                                                                                                        Armenia International Jazz Festival

                                                                                                                               Central Avenue Jazz Festival

SOUNDTRACKS:

 

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