OR VISIT
RECORDING CREDITS:
John Wasem (rhythm guitar, vocals)
Mike Mirro (drums)
Matt Longbons (bass)
Marcus Rezak (lead guitar)
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Joel Cummins of "Umphrey's McGee" (keys, mini korg)
Matt Katzfey of "56 Hope Road" (percussion)
LIVE BAND INCLUDES:
Matt Longbons (bass)
Mike Mirro (drums)
Marcus Rezak (lead guitar)
John Wasem (rhythm guitar, vocals)
Influences
TOM PETTY and THE HEARTBREAKERS, Bob Dylan, Grateful Dead, The Band, Traveling Wilburys, Van Morrison, The Beatles, Wilco, Ryan Adams, Bob Marley, Ray Lamontagne, Randy Newmann, Woody Guthrie, Umphrey's McGee, Talking Heads, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Nick Drake, Dr. John, The Boss, A Tribe Called Quest and so on and so on.
In the current musical climate of cut and packaged entertainers designed for quick consumption, the John Wasem Band is like a welcoming home-cooked meal spread across a Southern table.
Fitting, as frontman and founder John Harlan Wasem was born in small-town Tennessee. The folk-infused ballads of John Wasem Band (JWB) take the elegant guitar picking, lyrical poetry and “everyman” sensibility found in traditional Southern genres and elevate them with the rawness found only within real talent. A traveling singer-songwriter since 2000, self-taught guitarist Wasem dedicated himself in the early years to constant creative release through playing 150 shows per year, relentlessly touring the South, Midwest, East and West. He acquired a versatility honed by the varying solo, duo, trio and full-band acoustic
and electric performances delivered at venues ranging small clubs to major festivals. This passion paid off. Following his decision to move to Chicago and immerse himself in that city’s sweltering roots-rock underground, he caught the attention of several renowned Chicago musicians wanting to offer their talents.
This collaboration resulted in 2006’s acclaimed LP The Sparrow Four Sessions, with veteran producer Jim Reeves (Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, Joe Cocker) at the helm. Mike Mirro, former drummer for national scene stalwarts Umphrey’s McGee; Berklee School of Music guitar wunderkind Marcus Rezak, also of Chicago’s The Hue; and bassist Matt Longbons previously of international cult favorite The Ghettobillies rounded out the all-star roster. Guest appearances were rich, as Umphrey’s McGee’s keyboardist and vocalist Joel Cummins and percussionist Matt Katzfey of touring sensation 56 Hope Road lent a hand. The Sparrow Four Sessions has been continuously praised for its nuance, emotional lucidity, and ability to swing from quiet, elegant moods to the raucousness of unadulterated rock n’ roll. In late 2006, formally trained jazz virtuoso Justin Walter Powell joined the band to play Cummins' parts, and is more than capable of filling such large shoes.
It has been a high-octane ride for JWB ever since. The band has headlined shows at such historic Chicago venues as Double Door, Martyrs’, Abbey Pub and Wise Fools Pub, played at the venerated House of Blues and METRO, appeared at festivals throughout the country including Dogstock in Melvern, Kansas and the national Green Apple Festival, and have been awarded increasing local and national press. They’ve shared stages with national acts such as Ryan Montbleau Band, Fareed Haque Group, Umphrey’s McGee and Cornmeal. Perhaps most exciting is the loyal fanbase that’s sprung up around their unceasingly surprising live show, wherein complicated fretwork melds with complicated emotions, and sophisticated improvisation is paramount. They owe no loyalty to the jamband scene, the folk scene, or the classic and psychedelic rock scenes, but rather breathe new life into them all. With a new CD in the works and an extensive US and UK tour currently being booked, the John Wasem Band has walked through the proverbial door, with lovers of authenticity ready to extend a hand.
Booking information:
booking@johnwasem.com
219-614-8530
Diplomatics Events Promotion
www.myspace.com/diplomaticsevents
View John Wasem's EPK
Yo, HOB pics look awesome. Is he gonna burn them all as high resolution to a disc for us? Good times this weekend no doubt! Also, you coming out to Martyr's tonight?
It's a great song, and it got picked up for a Romanian telephone commercial! It used to be on you tube somewhere. I plan on coming tomorrow! What is your start time?
This show will be one to remember. Please spread the word that there will be a great night of music and good times going on Saturday 2/21/09 at the Park West.
Land of Atlantis starts at 8 p.m. Also performing: Family Groove Company then SOULIVE
I was working the day she played at Wise Fool's! Chatted with her boyfriend and fell in love with her music. I've been following her ever since. This summer, Lissie got some good play in the clubs with a hot dance remix!
Dude -- I'm so sorry I didn't get this until today... I'm all over the place recently. I'm sure the show rocked, but I'm sorry I missed it! We must connect soon! Peace -- Jr.
Yeah, things are going well musically. Two weekends ago I was on stage w/ members of Dirty Dozen, Spam Allstars, and P-Funk; all at the same time. Go figure.
Florida...nice.
Xmas is going to be low key what with the economy and all; New Years we are playing in Asheville.
