Guitarist/composer John Kasiewicz has been making music for over two decades. After winning the National Guild Composition Contest with an original piano piece in 1994, Kasiewicz pursued his musical studies at the Univeristy of
Miami and Goddard College in Vermont. While a student at Goddard, John studied under the atonal composer Ernie Stires (who also taught Phish's Trey Anastasio), and the flair and eccentricity in his playing proves it. His music takes chances, veering from traditional jazz progressions into high-end note-holds that pierce through a piece or fast flirtations that dash between intricate changes. Around the same time, Kasiewicz became a member of J. Willis Pratt & We're Bionic, opened for Phish at the Pepsi Arena in Albany, New York and has performed and recorded with Phish's explosive drummer Jon Fishman.
In 2001, Kasiewicz formed the instrumental trio Raisinhill. The band has risen from local acclaim to widespread recognition across clubs and music festivals, propelled by the sheer musicianship of their playing and a self-titled CD. The
group has garnered praise from some of the most-watched jamband media. Jambands.com dubbed them "New Groove of the Month," leading to their nomination for the New Groove category at the 4th annual Jammy Awards, held at Madison Square Garden. Relix Magazine declared them one of the best unsigned bands in the county and winners of their first-annual JamOff! competition. Always touring, always playing, with seemingly endless energy and drive, Raisinhill continues to bring their bristling instrumental originals to a host of summer festivals from Tennessee to Nova Scotia. Wherever they travel, music fans are paying attention.
Recently endorsed by Martin Guitars, John has been composing and recording music in his home studio. He looks forward to more performing, both solo and group, as well as contributing music to television and film projects.
Hey John. Sounds good, man. Your Variations got me, esp. #3. I'm feelin' it big time and I'm looking out for you if you get around to touring L.A. Later.
I've got to say that I really like "Sept Variations No. 1"
It's a perfect piece for a TV show theme song. A calm one hour family comedy/drama. Some thing set in the country and/or small town. It's very relaxing.
