Joss Jaffe began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 9. He was introduced to the singing and percussion of India from a young age through listening to the devotional chanting of his parents Evelyn and Arno, and their meditation teacher Baba Muktananda. He began the study of tabla and sarod at 15. In 1998 at the age of 17, Joss lived and studied in Nepal with master drummer Homnath Upadhyaya.

Returning to California, Joss continued tabla studies with Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri at the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael. In addition to tabla, Joss studies vocals, sarod, dotar, guitar, bass, percussion, and composition. His teachers include, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Montino Bourbon, Gregg Johnson, Agatha Carubia, C.K. Ladzekpo, and Steve Coleman.

Joss has performed with Swapan Chauduri in ensemble, Zakir Hussain in ensemble, Montino Bourbon, Homnath Upadhyaya, and Jaya Jog. Currently Joss tours with popular kirtan artist Dave Stringer.

Joss received his Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Arizona in 2007 with a thesis on arid lands permaculture design.

His newly released album "Off into the Unknown" successfully blends ragas, reggae and uplifting original lyrics in a unique style.