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I Don't Mind 3:300:00/3:30
John's Bio
I am currently seeking to join a quality working cover band in/near southeastern CT with experienced, mature players. I'm a capable drummer/vocalist who has worked with bands all over the Northeastern USA, currently performing with extraordinary singer/songwriter Kala Farnham. She is a multi-instrumentalist who counts on her musical partners to support her music in an intuitive and understated way.
Over the last couple of years John has worked with local guitarist Ron Apicelli and his vocalist daughter Kym in their musical act "Azalea Drive" to the delight of local live music lovers.
John also joined forces with veteran rockers Ed Aledia (guitar) and Les Haley (bass) to form "Van Haley" a high energy rock band playing heavy guitar-oriented tunes from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. The band rocked clubs and special events in the area and unfortunately disbanded when bass player/vocalist Les Haley moved to Florida (insert sad face here).
John has also recorded and performed with multi award-winning singer/songwriter Josi Davis in several different projects...including her "Evolution of Love" Nouveau Cabaret which has played numerous times to sold out rooms. The CD of the same name has received critical acclaim nationwide. Their bar band project "Josi Davis & Hot Damn!" played many clubs in CT and RI to the delight of spirited audiences. Just prior to working with Josi, John rocked the area club scene with alt-rock cover band "Vertigo" which included T-Ray Taylor on lead vocals, Mike Golembeski on bass, and Ben Escobedo on guitar.
John has made it his goal to honor the song and the songwriter first and foremost, which is the reason he frequently gets work as a musician for hire. His early formal training in the percussive arts, combined with his real-world performing and recording experience, assures he is capable of bringing some unique textures and a rock-solid groove to any playing situation. He is also an accomplished vocalist, and one of the rare few drummers who can sing and play without compromising either. He can be reached at (860) 608-1444.
Testimonials
"I never worry about what's going on behind me with John in the drummer's seat. I trust him to lay down a foundation and keep it there. In every approach he's thoughtful and creative, always honoring the artist and the song over the flourish. There are few people I've met with as immense a repertoire, and his experience and knowledge of his instrument and his inspirations are constantly at play when he digs in to new tunes. Harmonies? Spot on, and so appreciated, particularly in a live performance. John's a dedicated performer, and I'm grateful to have him in my project!" - Josi Davis - (award-winning Singer/Songwriter - Vocal and Instrument Instructor)
"While John has chops and musical ideas to spare, he always serves the song first. The groove and time are paramount to all great performances and I can always count on him to bring it." – Chris Leigh - Guitarist – Owner/Instructor at String Theory School of Music
"I have had the pleasure of playing alongside John on many projects. John's smooth beats and multi-genre experience make him the “go to guy” for lots of different musical ventures. He has been a welcome addition to several of my own band projects. Thanks for years of great music…past, present, and future". Andre Danford- bandleader/musician
“John’s ease and fluidity around the kit, and calming nature make it easy to step into the pocket, whether you’ve played with him for years or (like me) hadn’t played with him before. The song starts, and it stays locked tight… then the REAL fun begins. He and I have started what I consider a very musically fruitful relationship, one that I had wished we had started years earlier.” – Bert Coburn – Multi-instrumentalist (Bass, Uke, Mandolin)
"Some drummers simply play a beat. There are a few, though, who go beyond the beat to utilize the full musicality of his instrument. The broad palette of textures, colors, and dynamics that John employs allow me to feel comfortable using notes and space to create a groove that is interesting for me and the listener. I feel like I can compliment his playing rather than mimic what he's already doing. John's drumming is like a rhythmic recliner with extra pillows, providing such a comfortable, unwavering place for me to relax into that it's actually hard for me to sound bad." - Dan Solomons - Bass Guitarist
"Over the years I've played bass with John on many studio projects and live gigs. Whatever the genre John's contribution has always been nothing less than syncopated, tight and musical. This is because John is a drummer who listens and strives to create the right blend and groove. Being a bass player a drummer is my other half. If the drummer ain’t happening I might as well go home. John is one of those drummers who make you want to stay and play". - Mike Frishman - Bassist, String Theory School of Music Instructor
"I've known and played with John for the past three decades. He always brings and adds excitement to the gig. He has the ability to improvise and stretch out the tunes, as well as creating smooth transitions when segueing from song to song. He can sing the needed vocal harmonies on the fly and even sings lead on many genres of music without missing a beat! John is always a pleasure to work with!" - Ed Aledia - Guitarist/Educator
I've known John for over 30 years and I can say right up front, the things I most admire about him is his positive demeanor, his professionalism, and his honesty. I've called him a number of times for advice throughout the years. Oddly enough, we never played together until a few years ago where he's sat in on drums and percussion with my band a number of times. He's got chops and can sing! A pleasure to know and to play with. - Alex Sordo (bandleader/guitarist)
RECORDINGS
Matthew G Davidson "Blue Forest Mass" - Percussion samples, loops
Steve Elci & Friends: "Vowels" CD - Percussion, vocals.
Steve Elci & Friends "Crayons in a Box" CD - Percussion, vocals
Steve Elci & Friends "Nutmegger" CD - backing vocals
Josi Davis "Evolution of Love" CD - Drums, percussion, vocals
Good Sponge Records Sampler II - "Ivy Grows" - Josi Davis