Corey Fonville bridges jazz tradition and contemporary sonic experiment. He brings deep jazz sensibilities with a groove grounded in R&B, hip-hop, and funk. As both a drummer and composer, he continuously pushes genre boundaries while staying rooted in emotional, groove-based authenticity.

Born in Virginia Beach, VA, he began drumming at age 2 and was immersed in his father’s eclectic music collection—from jazz, R&B, funk, and alternative music  . After high school, he studied at the New School in NYC and then received a full scholarship to study at the Dave Brubeck Institute in Stockton, CA, where he began forging key professional connections. Upon completing his studies, Fonville jumped into global touring and recording with luminaries like Nicholas Payton, Jacky Terrasson, and Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, serving as a member of both the Nicholas Payton Trio and Christian Scott’s quintet.

Fonville is a founding member and rhythmic heart of Butcher Brown, an innovative band blending jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, and rock. Their debut album All Purpose Music released in 2014, followed by their noteworthy #KingButch (2020), and more recent works like Solar Music (2023) and Letters From The Atlantic (2025). Butcher Brown’s music reflects a deep commitment to genre fusion, groove, and improvisational energy.

In 2025, Fonville established a brand new organ trio project with organist Sam Fribush and a rotating cast of guitarists dubbed Fonville x Fribush. Their debut EP ‘R&B Organ Trio’ featuring guitarist Charlie Hunter released on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, with a debut LP ‘What Day Is It’ featuring guitarist Alan Good Parker available exclusively on vinyl via WarHen Records February 27, 2026.