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A native
of Cincinnati Ohio, John is a classically trained musician. He and
his brother Charles grew up in a modest home that taught them
respect and refinement. They spent most of their summers with loving grandparents in Paris, Kentucky. Under the strong loving Christian
guidance of their mother, both boys were led to play music.
TRAVELS AND CREDITS
John served in the United States Air Force and found new
musical opportunities. He played keyboard in a mixed military
personnel band that toured Europe concentrating on France and Germany.
In 1970, John returned to the
states and moved to Boston. John
played keyboard for the recording group Tavares. They toured the Bahamas before returning to Boston where they opened for Earth, Wind and Fire.
In 1971, John toured the U.S., Europe, and Canada after successfully auditioning for bass player
with the late legendary blues man T-Bone Walker. Highlights included recording at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland later released on the Polydor label as "Fly Walker Airlines" (PD5521). The T-Bone Walker Blues Band played at clubs in Paris before returning to the U.S. with a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York.John continued performing as keyboard or electric bass player in
opening acts in Boston for such stars as Roy Orbison, Alice
Coltrane and Donny Hathaway.
MIND AND MATTERS
After five years on the road, John returned to Cincinnatti to seek higher education. He transferred to Jarvis Christian College in Texas where he earned his Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Religion and English. The University of Chicago Divinity School recruited John where he completed his Masgter of Arts degree focused on religion and psychology. He preached as a student pastor and often served as choir or music director for several churches. he continued on to receive his J.D. (Doctorate of Law Degree) from The Law School at The University of Chicago.
In 1987 the Attorney moved to Phoenix as the proud father of three handsome young men: John Jr., Jason an Joseph. But it wasn't long before the attorney dedicated his professional life to Social Work enhancing and supporting youth program and basic family structures which John truly believes is the foundation and basis of a strong society.
SOUL AND SPIRIT
Throughout his travels, education, professional and personal development music has been John's pivotal center. He mixes smooth, classical and edgy-cord sounds with his
raw and silky voice inviting you into his musical playground
of original compositions and lyrics. His improvisations of
old jazz favorites exhibit respect for the composers, artists
and their music. His deep passion and love for his music is
felt by audiences both young and old and from all walks of
life.
John is well-known in the Valley
and has played numerous local venues and private parties, solo and in trio. He has appeared at Everett's Steak House in North Scottsdale with his Trio that featured Ray Carter on acoustic bass and Sherman Martin-Austin on drums. He also played five years at My Florist Cafe in Phoenix.
Never one to rest on his accomplishments, John continued to break
new creative ground on stage with the Black Theatre Troupe
as a musician and musical director.
NOW APPEARING
John now appears in the Jazz Lounge and Piano Bar of Christo's Ristorante on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30p.m. Christo's Ristorante is located at 6327 North 7th Street in Phoenix. Phone for a reservation: 602-264-1784 or just stop by the Jazz Lounge and Piano Bar.
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