Joe Saylor has built a rare kind of modern jazz career—equally at home on major TV stages, in straight-ahead jazz settings, and as a working educator. Best known as the drummer/percussionist connected to Jon Batiste’s Stay Human circle and the CBS Late Show band world, Saylor combines deep swing vocabulary with a sharp sense of feel, sound, and professionalism.
Saylor trained formally (including studies at Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard) and developed early as a working New York jazz drummer. His professional path includes time in Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks Orchestra (2012–2014), with performance work tied to the HBO Boardwalk Empire soundtrack world. That same period overlaps with his long-running role in Stay Human, the ensemble founded by Jon Batiste. When Stay Human became the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Saylor’s playing became part of a nationally visible bandstand—one that demands reliability, stylistic flexibility, and the ability to deliver under tight cues and constant musical variety.
Often known as “the Jazz Cowboy,” Saylor also uses the name for his own creative work—music that blends modern jazz language with groove-based writing and wide-open improvisation. It reflects his identity beyond the TV chair: serious jazz drumming with a personal voice and a band concept built around his musical direction.
Recent activity: Saylor remains active in performance tied to The Late Show band orbit, along with ongoing recording, teaching, and project work connected to his own music.
Gear: Tama; Zildjian; Remo; Vic Firth.
Sources: Tama Drums (official artist features); Vic Firth (Joe Saylor interview/feature); Jazz at Lincoln Center program bio; University program bios (performance history); Jon Batiste / Stay Human documentation.
Update: January 23, 2026
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