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

Meaningful thoughts and words from some incredibly talented musicians I've been fortunate to work with:
 
 
John and I have collaborated on a variety of projects for many years now. He’s the first drummer I call because I know I can count on him to lock in a beat and serve the song. More than that, he always shows up to rehearsals with valuable creative input. His versatility is undeniable; he adapts to whatever genre we play, from folk to blues to rock. On top of that his vocals are spot on - he adds great lead vocals and harmonies to our shows. John is always a joy to work with! - Kala Farnham (award-winning Singer/Songwriter)

 
“John and I met through my manager Jenn Armstrong, who highly recommended him. John joined my trio for an album release concert in Hartford. His skill & natural abilities on a drum kit & percussion fit the bill. I think hiring an outside drummer can be hit or miss & in this case John’s sensitivity on the kit was exactly what was needed for my original acoustic songs. Plus, he’s a great guy!” - Kate Callahan (award-winning Singer/Songwriter)
 
 
John is a monster drummer and percussionist. He has been the back-beat in Southern Connecticut for many many years. But what some of you might not know is that John is a master vocal harmonizer...he’s like a machine! Whether in the studio tracking backing vocals (like John did for me on my award winning children’s album “Crayons in a Box’) or out live with a band, John is spot on, never missing a note. John's passion for music is as infectious as his beats and harmonies....whatever band or solo artist is lucky enough to have John performing with them will be the best in town. - Steve Elci - Grammy Nominated Artist
 

"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 have worked with John on several projects and in several ensembles over the years. He is a driven, conscientious, professional musician who is serious about performing and making good quality music. Never one to merely stay in the shadows, John is a good showman, with a timely sense of humor. Frequently engaging the audience, John is a true entertainer. He is well-versed in many styles and genres of music, with a great repertoire. While perfectly capable of paying homage to his personal influences, he is also very creative and musical in his own right. He understands that the image of the pro musician is an important ingredient, and always looks the part, bringing top notch, great sounding equipment to the stage or studio. He understands the power of self-promotion, either for an individual artist, or an entire ensemble, and always works diligently to that end. With plenty of experience, a strong business mindset, great chops, good vocal range, and a keen sense of harmony, he provides the exact qualities highly sought after in a drummer and fellow band-mate. I’d be more than happy to work with John again anytime!" T-Ray Taylor – Professional Musician
 
 
"If the drummer's not happening, nothing's happening! John's musicality and chops are always “there”. A seasoned player, John knows when to drive the bus and when to sit back and listen. His musical input and creativity is an asset to any group, and his ability to sing solid harmonies and vocals makes him invaluable as a performer. Having played all over the country and with hundreds of professional musicians, I am confident in saying that John Van Ness is a breed apart". - William Scott Wallace - US Army Band
 

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