My Bio (the Short Version)

John who?

Originally from North Carolina, I’ve lived in New York City for the past 27 years. I’ve loved this city from the first time I set foot in it, and I cannot imagine living anywhere else. It really is the center of the universe – at least for me.

I’m a musician – multi-instrumentalist, composer, studio rat – and a diehard technology geek. I’ve spent many years honing my craft and even spent a couple of those teaching technology for Apple. My curiosity knows no bounds. I love the pursuit of knowledge and mastery for its own sake. Getting paid sure helps though…

I am a fan of cold beer, good wine, great food, engaging books and stimulating conversation, and have been known to go well out of my way in pursuit of some combination or other of these things. My current worst bad habit is golf. It’s the game that reminds me why I’m a musician and not a professional athlete. And it keeps me humble. VERY humble…

I’ve performed with a litany of well known as well as shockingly anonymous bands and musicians over the years. The highlights have been gigs with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, the Allman Brothers, Little Feat, Levon Helm, Mary Wilson, Bernard Purdie, Reggie Workman, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, and They Might Be Giants; right alongside dozens of others.

It’s just as likely you’ll find me toiling away in anonymity in the pit of a Broadway show. I’ve worked on and/or toured with Memphis, Movin’ Out, Hairspray, Grease, In the Heights, Hair, The Rocky Horror Show and Five Guys Named Moe.

For those who care for such things, I hold a Master’s degree in jazz performance from Queens College (part of City College, The City University of New York) and a Bachelor’s degree in jazz & contemporary music from The New School for Social Research, New York. I also teach EWI concepts and music technology in my studio in New York.

My current gig is saxophonist for the legendary Jersey soul/rock band Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. www.southsidejohnny.com. My other favorite pursuit is my organ quartet, Humblebrag, which plays classic soul jazz right alongside original material.

I am proud to be a RICO Artist, a Drake Mouthpieces Artist and Cannonball Saxophones Artist.