Solo singer/songwriter or duo with Mario Price on violin
Influences
Loudon Wainwright III, The Waterboys, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Dick Gaughan, Paul McCartney, Aimee Mann, Randy Newman and Paul Simon, Sandy Denny, Bob Marley, Chuck Berry, John Denver, Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli, Terry Hall & Mushtaq , Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen , Buddy Holly, Rory Mcleod, George Formby, Simon & Garfunkal, Monty Python, Tom Lehrer, Ray Davies, Martin Carthy, Redgum among others.
John started out on the bass guitar which got him into playing in rock bands around East Anglia. Having taught himself six string guitar he started writing songs and eventually discovered the magical world of the folk and acoustic scene where his songwriting and performing started to get noticed.
After sleeping on lots of floors and chugging round England in and old van he finally became a full time singer/songwriter and musician in 1988 and since then has performed in countless venues all over Britain, as well as touring many times in Germany as well as The Netherlands and Southern Ireland.
John has made numerous radio and festival appearences, and has appeared on British television a few times. He has released five albums, all of which have been critically acclaimed, the new one 'Praying For The Alien' having just been released.
John has been described as an energetic, passionate and spirited performer who successfully combines a good deal of humour with some very thought-provoking songs. His warm and versatile style entertains and engages the audience, with his eclectic material usually ensuring a repeat invitation. Over 20 years' experience on guitars and harmonica has gained John a well earned reputation as an excellent musician, however, it is often his breath-taking bodhran solos which leave the audiences shouting for more.
John's already wide repetoire of popular and original material is further enhanced when joined by his long standing musical partner Mario Price who brings his exceptional improvisation talents and his exciting celtic/gypsy/jazz to both the live shows and John's recordings. He is also often joined by his wife, Lynne, on backing vocals both live and on recordings as well as other other excellent musician friends.
For a number of years now he has also played in a local and highly respected Ceilidh band, SkipHire. along with Mario.
Over nearly twenty years John has written an epic poem entitled ‘The Iron Bridge’ based the life times and characters his home town. At over 9000 words the book takes the reader on a journey through various periods in the town’s history. Drawing on real events as well as imagination it weaves characters and landscapes from different ages together to form a magical vision of the town’s present and its past.
SOME COMMENTS & REVIEWS:
"A singer and guitarist to watch out for" - THE TIMES
"A songwriter of maturity and depth" - TIME OUT
"Excellent" - GRAPEVINE
"Excellent" - FOLK ROOTS
"An Exciting Talent" - FOLK ON TAP
"Impressive" - EASTERN DAILY PRESS
ALBUMS AND BOOKS AVAILABLE FROM JOHN'S WEBSITE, CLICK ON ALBUMS ABOVE.
Thanks again, John. It was a real pleasure. I posted a selection of photos on our Myspace profile ( smallish versions emailed to me by photogrtapher Nick just after the gig ) If you wanted higher-res versions I am sure he would oblige. will be in touch soon to see if we can arrange a return...people were asking last when you were coming back. All the best. Steve
Hi John, thanks for the friend request...a pleasure, we loved your set at Danby. We've had a busy time over the last few days (Ryedale Folk Festival)...and we're off to Bradford tomorrow...
Many, many thanks to you and Mario for the superb set you played for us last night. Just the right mix, perfectly paced and musically dazzling. I hope you enjoyed the evening and that you will join us again before too long. Steve @ Grapevine .
I just listened to your new tracks and I can't believe that you still persist with this folk thing, and have yet to embrace the challenging and innovative genre of industrial techno-thrash punk-metal...
Seriously though, congratulations on the new work - the tracks sound fantastic and I think 'It's not Dark', in particular, is a wonderful piece of music.
Hi John, I'm thrilled to be asked to join your friends, always admired your singing, playing, thoughtful and moving but often amusing songwriting and sheer live entertainment value when I've caught your sets at the Music House, very classy :)
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