BIO

 Growing up in New Haven, CT John started playing the sax at 10 years old when he fell in love with the music of Charlie Parker. New Haven's illustrious jazz scene was the perfect place for John to start his life in music and play alongside and study with some of the master musicians of the area such as Bob Nishti, Tim Moran, Rhon Lawrence, Tony Purrone, Steve Clarke, Jesse Hameen III, Christian Sands and Eddie Alex. He was even more blessed to have music loving parents who supported his talent and encouraged him to pursue music which he did in 2006 after moving to New York City. A graduate from Manhattan's New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and Eugene Lang College in 2011 with both a BFA in Music and a BA in History, some of John's professors included beacons of jazz such as Reggie Workman, Tim Price, Walt Weiskopf, George Cables, Jane Ira Bloom, Jim Snidero and Gil Goldstein. Since his time on the scene has been one of the "first call" saxophonists and arrangers of the New York Metropolitan area performing with a diverse array of bands of all musical genres that have led him to tour and record nationally and internationally, sharing the stage with Jimmy Heath,  Rachel Z, Papa Chubby, Brad Vickers and his Vestapolitans, Bobby Sanabria Big Band, Tito Puente Jr., A Nordic Sound Jazz Orchestra and others. Upon moving to Belem, Brazil in 2018, John has continued his music career in South America performing with Amazonia Jazz Band, Nilson Chaves, Pinduca, Amasax saxophone quartet, Boris Farias, Camilo Mariano and Jane Duboc and is quickly becoming recognized as one of the most up and coming saxophonists in Brazil and the United States.  Music has made a life for John and that love and dedication reflects itself in the full and passionate sound that comes out of his sax.  

When not playing the sax, John loves spending time with his wife, Márcia and son Benjamin.  He also loves the outdoors, hiking, kayaking and fishing and enjoying a good book.  

 

John's gear:

Tenor- Yamaha 82Z-Jody Jazz mouthpiece- Vandoren Java or RW reeds

Alto- Selmer Mark VII- Vandoren A75 mouthpiece, Vandoren Java reeds

Soprano- Yamaha 475- Runyon mouthpiece- Vandoren Java reeds

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