Kip Jones

Composer and violinist Kip Jones is known for his work with the string quartet ETHEL, his compositions involving groovy string textures and improvisation, and his solo performances of violin-and voice polyphony under the name HALLAZGO. He has also recorded minimalist chamber jazz under the name Rhinodust and prog/folk fusion under the name Morning Zephyr.

He has appeared as a featured composer and soloist with the Colorado Ballet, A Far Cry, the Valley Chamber Chorale, and the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra. As a member of ETHEL he has recorded and toured with Kaki King, Robert Mirabal, Todd Rundgren, Layale Chaker, and Raven Chacon.

A native of Minnesota, Kip attended Berklee College of Music and received an honorary doctorate from Denison University. Since 2018, he has focused on nested notation, a choose-your-own-adventure music system for large improvising groups, involving aspects of social dynamics, software development, recursive musical form, and personal harmonic language.

Gear

Violin, David I. Folland (2021)

Drone Tuner (iOS and macos)

Take Five with violinist and ETHEL member Kip Jones

by AAJ Staff
February 5, 2025

Meet Kip Jones Kip Jones (violin) is known for his ebullient and innovative solo performances in a style he describes as “experimental folk." Kip is a member of the acclaimed ETHEL string quartet and can often be found performing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as its Ensemble-in-Residence. Kip is preparing to premiere Monk arrangements for string quartet and bass as part of ETHEL's upcoming March 13 th Carnegie Hall debut with Maestro Ron Carter. A modern musical ...

Starting with “Shout-out,” a buoyantly songful curtain raiser by Mr. Jones... (New York Times)