John Lester
Music
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So Many Reasons
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Beware La Merde
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General Info
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Genre: Acoustic / Jazz / Lyrical
Location San Francisco, United States, /Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Ne
Profile Views: 41374
Last Login: 5/1/2012
Member Since 7/31/2006
Website www.johnlestermusic.com
Record Label New Vintage Recordings, New York, NY
Type of Label Indie
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Bio
..“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, London.. .... Lester is a laid back, relaxed singer, a songwriter with a fresh viewpoint, .. and a talented bassist! .. ..-Folkwax Magazine, USA.. .... "Bassist John Lester cre�ert prachtige melodielijnen en wordt begeleid door uitstekende muziekanten. Een genot om naar te luisteren." ....-www.festivalinfo.nl, The Netherlands .. .... ”His trademark voice sounds like it has been crafted from .. silk and granite, all at the same time!”.. ..-Maverick Magazine, UK.. .... “…whatever he's singing he brings conviction and swing to it,.. …wonderfully entertaining.”.. ..-www.vortexjazz.co.uk.. .. .... FOR ALL CONCERT DATES VISIT MY WEBSITE .. Each of my three CDs are available for sale and download using the following links or 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...... -
Members
..SINGER-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:.. .. .. 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 on drums. .. .. My GERMANY TRIO features Stephan Olfers on saxophone and Jens Ulrich Otto on drums. .. -
Influences
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. -
Sounds Like
Make 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..
Music
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12 Songs | Jul 2, 2010
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11 Songs | Jun 13, 2010
Comments
Bio:
“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, London
Lester is a laid back, relaxed singer, a songwriter with a fresh viewpoint,
and a talented bassist!
-Folkwax Magazine, USA
"Bassist John Lester creëert prachtige melodielijnen en wordt begeleid door uitstekende muziekanten. Een genot om naar te luisteren."
-www.festivalinfo.nl, The Netherlands
”His trademark voice sounds like it has been crafted from
silk and granite, all at the same time!”
-Maverick Magazine, UK
“…whatever he's singing he brings conviction and swing to it,
…wonderfully entertaining.”
-www.vortexjazz.co.uk
a soulful vocalist, or a superb and innovative bassist,
his talent is undeniable.”
-Ray’s Jazz CDs, London
Lester is a laid back, relaxed singer, a songwriter with a fresh viewpoint,
and a talented bassist!
-Folkwax Magazine, USA
"Bassist John Lester creëert prachtige melodielijnen en wordt begeleid door uitstekende muziekanten. Een genot om naar te luisteren."
-www.festivalinfo.nl, The Netherlands
”His trademark voice sounds like it has been crafted from
silk and granite, all at the same time!”
-Maverick Magazine, UK
“…whatever he's singing he brings conviction and swing to it,
…wonderfully entertaining.”
-www.vortexjazz.co.uk
.. 2010 SHOWS:
March 12: LONDON, ENGLAND
Singer-Songwriters In The Round
w/Mark Aaron James, Steve Lawson, and Emily Baker
venue: The Forge, Caponata Room
address: 3-7 Delancey Street, London, NW1 7NL
show: 21.00 to 23.30
contact: 020 7 383 7808
March 14: LONDON, ENGLAND
*UK 50th BIRTHDAY SHOW*
Jazz Quartet featuring:
Theo Travis (sax), Steve Lodder (piano) & Davide Giovannini (drums)
.. venue: The 606 Club
address: 90 Lots Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 0QD
doors/dinner: 19.00, show: 20:30 two sets
reservation/contact: 020 7352 5953
March 20: AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
*NETHERLANDS 50th BIRTHDAY SHOW*
venue: Zaal 100
address: De Wittenkade 100, Amsterdam
music starts at: 20.00, **my set is at about 20.30
event: Monty Pagans Sprinq Equinox with other artists Oi Polloi,
Robin Nolan, Vinsky Project, and more
April 7: BERKELEY, CA, USA
*USA 50th BIRTHDAY SHOW & BASSO TRIO REUNION*
with Bob Johnson (sax) and Steve Rossi (drums)
venue: Jupiter
address: 2181 Shattuck Avenue,Berkeley, CA 94704
showtime: 8pm
May 28, DEVIZES, ENGLAND
Jazz Trio w/Steve Lodder (piano) and Theo Travis (sax)
venue: The Cellar Bar at The Bear Hotel
address: Market Place, Devizes, Wiltshire
showtime: 21.00 to 23.00
May 30: KINGSTON (SW LONDON), ENGLAND
Jazz Quartet featuring:
Theo Travis (sax), Steve Lodder (piano) & Davide Giovannini (drums)
.. venue: Boaters Jazz at Boaters Inn
address: Canbury Park, Lower Ham Rd., Kingston, KT2 5AU
showtime: 8:30pm to 10:30pm
contact: 020 8541 4672
November 12: BRUGGS, SWITZERLAND
Double bill European Tour
w/Paul Tiernan
venue: tba
address: tba
show: 20.00 to 23.00
contact: tba
Nov 14: BERLIN (FROHNU), GERMANY
Double bill European Tour
w/Paul Tiernan
venue: Kulturhaus Centre Bagatelle, Zeltinger Str. 6
time: 16.00 (afternoon show)
tickets/contact: 030 868 701 668
November 19: BADEN, SWITZERLAND
Double bill European Tour
w/Paul Tiernan
venue: Prima Vista
address: tba
show: 19.00 to 23.00
contact: tba
November 20: BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Double bill European Tour
w/Paul Tiernan
venue: Parterre
address: tba
show: 20.00 to 23.00
contact: tba
November 21: LAUFFEN, GERMANY
Double bill European Tour
w/Paul Tiernan
venue: Phoenix
address: tba
show: 20.00 to 23.00
contact: tba
Each of my three CDs are available for sale and download using the following links or you can also visit my website:
JohnLesterMusic.com
Download songs/CDs at iTunes:
..
SO MANY REASONS
BIG DREAMS AND THE BOTTOM LINE
“…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
BIG DREAMS AND THE BOTTOM LINE
“…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
“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
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
Member Since:
July 31, 2006Members:
SINGER-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:
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 Like:
Make sure to press stop on the music player above before starting videoSolo 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






















Ken Parsons, Bard 2 years ago
Renée Stevense 2 years ago
Michael Henderson's...E… 3 years ago
Rob Armus 3 years ago
Markus Dörfler 3 years ago
Chi McClean 3 years ago
Steve Uccello 3 years ago
Katy Boyd 3 years ago
Susan Costantini Green 3 years ago
Katy Boyd 3 years ago
10 of 209More\Hey John
Thanks for playing the Spring Equinox festival at the ZAAL 100
was a great set!!
Ken
hi john,
just saw some y.t. films, great!
lot of succes, hope to meet you someday (finally..)
groetjes,
renée
THANK YOU WISHING YOU A GREAT AN BEAUTIFUL WEEK. MICHAEL
nice tracks John, bravo !
Hi John
You can find some of the pictures from the concert at the Backstage-Bar here: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=13379694&blogId=520387692
Cheers
Markus
Great tunes and slick upright playing there, John. I really dig "So Many Reasons". Nice stuff! Keep rockin it! :)
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!
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
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
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