In Leeds, Washington DC and now London, John’s sight-reading, ear and distinctive sound have led to work from jazz, big bands and pit orchestras to pop and avant-garde. Originally an electric-bass specialist, he performs increasingly on the upright as well.
John became house bassist for Washington DC’s Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra led by Joe Herrera and Brad Linde, including rep concerts under Miho Hazama and Nathan Parker Smith. He recorded for Linde’s avant-garde/Americana project Team Players with Billy Wolfe, Aaron Quinn and Deric Dickens, and played alongside David McDonald (Airmen of Note), Kevin McDonald (US Navy Commodores), Marty Nau, Anthony Pirog, and others.
John was bassist and MD for the Leeds University Union Big Band, including performances at the North Sea Jazz Festival and on ITV. He performed regularly with stalwarts of the Northern England scene such as Steve Hanley, Martin Longhawn and Ben Lowman.
Since arriving in London, highlights include a Trevor Mires/Nathaniel Cross project (with Sam Leak, Tom Hancock, Pat Levett, Hugh Wilkinson and Rod Youngs), the Morgan Brothers Big Band, Hannes Riepler, Gene Calderazzo, Tom Green and others, alongside regular ad hoc engagements.
John arranges for big bands, has worked at Sibelius, served as a copyist for the 9 to 5 UK tour, and plays the accordion.
John has arranged for big band and smaller groups in a variety of styles. His work has been performed by Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, Morgan Brothers Big Band, Leeds University Union Big Band, and others. He also creates custom arrangements for amateur or school ensembles which may require unusual instrumentation or a careful balance of difficulty levels.
Theory, Harmony, Ear Training, Sight Reading etc.
Alongside a wealth of practical experience in diverse styles, John has classical training and a deep knowledge of theory, harmony, aural skills and sight-reading.
John is an endorsing artist for Nordstrand Audio‘s electric basses. He uses Aguilar and Genzler amps and cabs.