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John Lester
Acoustic / Jazz / Melodramatic Popular Song

...so many reasons



San Francisco, United States, /Amsterdam
Netherlands

Profile Views:  25834




Last Login:  11/8/2009
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   John Lester: General Info
Member Since7/31/2006
Band Websitewww.johnlestermusic.com
Band MembersSINGER-SONGWRITER/ACOUSTIC:

When I play SOLO, it's me, Sarah my upright bass, and a collection of bass guitars, a loop recorder, and sometimes my Spanish nylon string acoustic guitar (if I can carry it all).

JAZZ BANDS:

The SAN FRANCISCO TRIO is myself with Bob Johnson on sax and either Steve Rossi or Celso Alberti on drums.

My AMSTERDAM QUARTET features pianist Bas Van Lier.

My UK QUARTET is with Theo Travis on sax/flute, Steve Lodder on piano, and Davide Giovannini or Roy Dodds on drums.

My GERMANY TRIO features Stephan Olfers on saxophone and Jens Ulrich Otto on drums.
Influences
Sounds LikeMake sure to press stop on the music player above before starting video

Solo performance of "I Saw You" at the Rochefort en Accords Festival, Rochefort France (August 2007):

Playing "So Many Reasons" at the Rochefort en Accords Festival, France (August 2006) with guest guitarists Paul Tiernan and Darden Smith:


Solo performance of "Beware La Merde" at the Rochefort en Accords Festival (August 2006):



SOLO BASS/VOCAL/SONGWRITER PERFOMANCES:

When I was in my mid-thirties I discovered, quite by accident, my solo bass and vocal ‘show’. At the heart of the music is my 90 year old upright bass, Sarah. The first time I ever sang and played one of my songs with just her at my side was at a little club in San Francisco called the Hotel Utah in 1995. I sang a simple blues number at an open mic and the enthusiastic reaction from the audience became the catalyst for my continuing to pursue my solo performance career. Being a bassist, I had previously only performed in bands.

Sarah and I have now played throughout the US, and recently in England, France, Luxembourg, Germany, and The Netherlands, where I now live. I have played solo support shows for some artists whom I respect very much including Patti Smith, Gretchen Peters, and Jools Holland. I was a featured artist at European Bass Day 2004, played on an all bass UK tour with Michael Manring and Steve Lawson, and was featured at UK Bass Day in 2005.

2006 became my busiest year ever with four UK tours and shows throughout Europe. I debuted my jazz quartet at Londons famous 606 Club as well as playing solo shows at festivals and acoustic music venues.

In early 2007 I released my third CD "So Many Reasons" in the UK. It was released in the US on September 4th followed by a short US tour; two San Francisco double bill shows with the amazing solo bassist Michael Manring, a Nashville gig 'in-the-round' at the world famous Bluebird Cafe with Gretchen Peters, Craig Caruthers, and Don Henry, and also two New York City shows at The Living Room and The Bitter End.

In 2008 I continued to tour Europe returning to France, Switzerland, Germany, and playing here in The Netherlands.

As 2009 starts I am focusing on shows in and around Amsterdam and have started recording my fourth CD, to be released this coming Fall.

All 3 of my CDs are available at CDbaby:
SO MANY REASONS
BIG DREAMS AND THE BOTTOM LINE
LIVE AT THE FREIGHT AND SALVAGE

My 2 studio CDs are available for download at iTunes:
SO MANY REASONS
BIG DREAMS AND THE BOTTOM LINE

Each recording features a few solo pieces in the way that a singer-songwriter-guitarist might have a few ‘acoustic’ tunes. For me, it’s just my vocal and one of my basses.

Besides Sarah, I play 4, 5, and 6 string electric fretted and fretless basses, as well as acoustic bass guitar and acoustic guitar. My live performances also include using loop recorders to create live tracks using only my instruments and voice.

JAZZ:

In the late 90’s I put together a jazz trio featuring saxophonist Bob Johnson and drummer Steve Rossi for gigs in the San Francisco Bay Area. As well as my more jazz oriented songs, we performed instrumental jazz compositions ranging from choice standards to progressive modern instrumental compositions. The bass/vocal, sax, and drums format allowed me to make the trio an extension of my solo bass/vocal show with a strong emphasis on improvisation.

I still work with Bob and Steve when I return for San Francisco Bay Area shows and they are both featured on my new CD release “So Many Reasons”. In England, I now work with London sax/flutist Theo Travis, also featured on the new CD, pianist Steve Lodder, and drummers Davide Giovannini or Roy Dodds. I recently started up a trio in Germany with Stephan Olfers on saxophone and Jens Ulrich Otto on drums. I am currently working in my new hometown of Amsterdam with pianist Bas van Lier.

For more info, please visit: JohnLesterMusic.com
Record LabelMidnight Café Records/Proper Distribution
Type of LabelIndie


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   About John Lester
Hello and welcome to MySpace/JohnLesterMusic. I am a vocalist, bassist, and songwriter. I play both jazz and acoustic music venues. Look around the site and enjoy your visit!


UPCOMING 2009 SHOWS:

Nov 16: EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS
   Support for Gretchen Peters

   venue: Meneer Frits
   address: Hoek Markt, Jan van Lieshoutstraate, Eindhoven
   time: 21.00
   tickets/contact: 040.265 56 10
Nov 19: DEN HAAG, THE NETHERLANDS
   Support for Gretchen Peters

   venue: Sociëteit Transvaria
   address: Steijnlaan 150, 2571 RJ Den Haag
   time: 20.00
   tickets/contact: + 31 (0)70 338 8708 or concerten@musemix.com
Nov 26: WIENER NEUSTADT, AUSTRIA
   venue: Backstage, Brotischgasse 16, A-2700 Wiener Neustadt
   time: 20.00
   tickets/contact: 0664 8584838
Nov 27: RUHPOLDING, GERMANY
   venue: TBA
   time: 20.00
   tickets/contact: 08663 696
Nov 28: ISNY, GERMANY
   venue: Pat Murphy’s Pub, Wassertorstr. 37, D-88316 Isny
   time: 20.30
   tickets/contact: 07562 3442
Nov 29: OBING BEI CHEIMSEE, GERMANY
   venue: Zur Post Beim John, Wasserburgstr 1
   D-83119 Obing Bei Cheimsee
   time: 19.00
   tickets/contact: 08624 2206
Dec 3: BREMEN, GERMANY
   venue: Jazzclub Akademia, Dachanatstr 13-15, D-28195 Bremen
   time: 20.30
   tickets/contact: 04221 72315
Dec 4: AURICH, GERMANY
   venue: Hochzeitshaus, Bahnstr. 4, D-26603 Aurich
   time: 20.00
   tickets/contact: 04941 604460
Dec 5: KOLN, GERMANY
   venue: House Concert, private
Dec 6 : ZEHDENICK/BERLIN, GERMANY
   venue: Klostergalarie
   address: Klosterscheune, Am Kloster, D-16792, Zehdenick
   time: 19.30
   tickets/contact: 03304 310777

Each of my three CDs are available for sale and download with links here on this page and you can also visit my website:
JohnLesterMusic.com

Order CDs from CDbaby:

SO MANY REASONS
BIG DREAMS AND THE BOTTOM LINE
LIVE AT THE FREIGHT AND SALVAGE

Download songs/CDs at iTunes:

SO MANY REASONS
BIG DREAMS AND THE BOTTOM LINE


My latest CD “So Many Reasons” has now been released in The Netherlands and reviews are starting to come in:

"Bassist John Lester creëert prachtige melodielijnen en wordt begeleid door uitstekende muziekanten. Een genot om naar te luisteren."  
-www.festivalinfo.nl


UK REVIEWS- SO MANY REASONS:

“Whether you regard him as an acoustic singer/songwriter,
a soulful vocalist, or a superb and innovative bassist,
his talent is undeniable.”
-Ray’s Jazz CDs

”His trademark voice sounds like it has been crafted from
silk and granite, all at the same time!”
-Maverick Magazine (feature article), UK

“…whatever he's singing he brings conviction and swing to it,
…wonderfully entertaining.”
-www.vortexjazz.co.uk

“…he can even work minor miracles and make a bass solo sound interesting!”
-Jazzwise Magazine (UK)

“…life pondering lyrics and a cosmopolitan sense of humor.”
-Americana-uk.com

“A gifted double bass player… and fine singer-songwriter,
with a rich smokey voice …excellent!”
-Time Out London

“Lester’s USP is his supreme mastery of all possible varieties
of bass guitar and his use of them as lead instruments
…his understated virtuosity demands attention.”
-Maverick Magazine (CD review), UK

“Lester has assembled a stellar cast of musicians to help bring his songs to life and it is here that the album stands out from allot of other ‘bass’ albums”
-Bass Guitar Magazine, UK

"A unique blend of jazz and original material from a world class singer/songwriter whose talent and experience make every gig special.
One of the finest exponents of this art form on the scene today
-Steve Rubie, venue owner, The 606 Club, London


REVIEWS- BIG DREAMS AND THE BOTTOM LINE:

BIG DREAMS AND THE BOTTOM LINE was released in 2003 in the US and 2004 in Europe. It features four solo tunes and seven band tracks. Here's a bit of what was said about my first studio CD...

“A bassist and singer extraordinaire, Lester is a rare talent who mixes fine songwriting skills with a husky voice that communicates wisdom far
beyond his years”.
-Good Times Magazine (USA)

“That Lester is doing it on his own is remarkable, that he can stand in the company of Ben Harper and Sting, often outshining them both, is nothing short of a revelation…biting lyricism that cuts quick and deep.”
-Logo Magazine (UK)

“Best lyrical commentary of 2003.” [‘Out of the Clear Blue Sky’]
-Radioio.com/acoustic

“John Lester doesn't just have a great voice, he is a voice!
Great songs that really communicate.”
-KPFA, Berkeley, California

“No, he is not - you might be relieved to know - yet another guitarist
armed with three chords and (their version of) the truth.”
-Folkworld Magazine (GERMANY)

“The music of John Lester has it’s own unmistakable style,
drawing from the best of jazz, folk, and blues.”
-3VOOR12 (THE NETHERLANDS)

"His bass/vocal approach is intriguing and innovative but never gets in the way of the song itself. Genre-defying music."
-Gretchen Peters, Grammy nominated Nashville songwriter

“There is a relaxed riff running through everything, like a jazzy Van Morrison stripped down to the essentials, and the primarily bass accompaniment eases you in, settles you down and gently tells you a poetic story.”
-Ace (UK)

“…a very powerful voice, the sound of absolute clarity.”
-Cinema Musique (FRANCE)

“John Lester evokes comparison to such modern minded contemporaries as Seal, Ben Harper, and Sting with his strong melodies and deep harmonies accented by the bassist's bright overtones and jazz inspired counterpoint.”
-musicworkz.co.uk/jamm

"It's a real treat to hear such a fresh take on the singer-songwriter concept."
-Michael Manring, award winning solo bassist

“A voice like a 2am top shelf scotch.”
-venue owner, Portland, Oregon



   John Lester's Friend Space (Top 24)
John Lester has 2123 friends.
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 Pat Metheny Group 


 Hershel Yatovitz 


 Amsterdam Songwriters Guild 


 Blue Note 


 Zuco 103 


 Theo Travis 

Online Now!
 Danny Vera 


 rochefort en accords 


 Susan Costantini Green 


 Seth Horan 


 Michael Tobias Design 





John Lester's Friends Comments
Displaying 25 of 229 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Chi McClean

Chi McClean



Nov 6 2009 7:32 AM

Great tunes and slick upright playing there, John. I really dig "So Many Reasons". Nice stuff! Keep rockin it! :)
Steve Lawson - Bass 2.0!

Steve Lawson - Bass 2.0!



Nov 1 2009 6:51 AM

John,

so sorry I missed your calls. Been working like a loon trying to save up enough to take lots of time off when the baby arrives :)

Hope we get to chat soon - we really miss all four of you, and hope to see you again ASAP

Sx
Steve Uccello

Steve Uccello



Nov 1 2009 6:51 AM

Enjoying the music over here John! Also THANKS for your sweet quote about my CD Symmetria! Glad you liked it! Thanks again and have great holidays!
Katy Boyd and Benny Wain

Katy Boyd and Benny Wain



Sep 30 2009 2:16 PM

Just did the SLO gig and had a great reception. Having a really cool time..... and the weather..... yes, after a million years in the uk I DO miss the weather!!!! See you soon I hope!!x
Susan Costantini Green

Susan Costantini Green



Sep 30 2009 5:45 AM

Hey John,
It's soooo great to connect with you on myspace!!
You better let me know next time you're in L.A :)
Keep making wonderful music!
xo
Susan
Katy Boyd and Benny Wain

Katy Boyd and Benny Wain



Sep 22 2009 6:42 AM

Hiya! Great news, the new album sounds really good. I have been recording an album in London as well.... gigging loads and the album is being picked up by a label now... have you got London dates yet? I am going to be up in London finishing the album towards the end of October... Hey! guess what? I am in Nashville doing the ole songwriter thang right now!!! What a place! Haven't run into Gretchen tho! x
Katy Boyd and Benny Wain

Katy Boyd and Benny Wain



Sep 18 2009 5:28 PM

Come back to England John! We miss you!!! How are you and how's the family? It has been ages.......xx
Vyn’s

Vyn’s



Jul 23 2009 7:01 PM

Thanks my friend!
Great bass,great musicien!
All my compliments.

Vyn's.
Dick Le Mair ComposerPercussionistProducer

Dick Le Mair ComposerPercussionistProducer



Jul 23 2009 7:01 PM

Thanks for the add!
Dick Le Mair
www.pilgrimagetosantiago.com
Sara

Sara



May 2 2009 5:55 AM

Fabulous, John! Sara M. Dyer
Gabriela Arnon

Gabriela Arnon



Apr 15 2009 6:36 AM

Dear John,
Hope you are having a happy and productive spring! How is your wonderful music?

Love, Gabriela
Sue Marchant

Sue Marchant
Online Now!


Mar 19 2009 11:24 AM

Hurrah I am going to make your gig!
Islwyn Acoustic Guitar Club

Islwyn Acoustic Guitar Club



Mar 22 2009 8:22 PM

John, Thank your for a fantastic gig at Crosskeys on Friday night. You are an awesome bass player and one of the best singer-songwriters I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Your songs send a tingle down my spine. Best wishes
Rob
THE MADHOUSE - ROSLISTON

THE MADHOUSE - ROSLISTON



Mar 24 2009 8:11 AM

Hi John
Thanks for a fabulous set on Saturday - world class, as ever.
Always welcome here.
Best
Al & Mike
Stiff Promotions

Stiff Promotions



Mar 25 2009 7:52 AM

Great seeing/hearing you again at The Cellars in Portsmouth last night.

Trust the water was to your satisfaction...!

:o)
The Good Doctor

Dave Owen



Feb 4 2009 5:53 PM

Hey John. Good to hear from you. We must take you to sample the local history this time around here (all based on beer)!
Stiff Promotions

Stiff Promotions



Jan 11 2009 1:22 PM

Fans of John Lester can now buy tickets for his Portsmouth show on Tuesday 24th March at www.stiffpromotions.co.uk although numbers are limited.

Look forward to meeting some of you there!

Cheers

Iain :o)
gregory l.shank

greg  shank



Jan 5 2009 6:36 AM

Hey John, seasons greetings. Hope all is well. Love your sound and pics. Send more!
Regards to you and yours, and happy new year!
g.
debass

debass



Dec 30 2008 8:46 AM

Thanks for adding me, hope you have some Scottish gigs soon
shanks-fujam

shanks-fujam



Dec 18 2008 9:55 AM

hy john, yes all good , lots of giggin and writing stuff...play your album 2 death , great stuff, would still love to do a hang track with you one day !!! peace bro ;)
Carl Carter

Carl Carter



Sep 27 2008 8:19 PM

Hey John!

Man, thanks a lot for the add!

Yeah, Paula in AMAZING!!!! I love working with her.

I dig your playing!

All the best to you,

Carl
Lobelia

Lobelia



Jul 30 2008 10:33 AM

Nope...nothing to tell. :) That's why we were hoping to become honorary members in the already exisiting Diaperheads Band. Miss you guys!
Gretchen Peters

Gretchen Peters



Jul 26 2008 9:48 PM

Just had a look through the Family photo album - and what a beautiful family it is. Love to all the Lesters, maybe see you in December.
x
Gretchen
Jacky Van Tongeren/Project

Jacky Van Tongeren/Project



May 25 2008 9:25 AM

Hi John, thanx 4 the add.
Prachtige muziek op jouw profile, I'll be back soon.
Jacky
MusicFromNL

MusicFrom Network



Apr 14 2008 9:19 PM

Bedankt voor het toevoegen!
Groetjes van MusicFromNL
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