John Youngs - Jazz Guitarist
A Jazz Guitarist from the UK who blends a wide variety of influences and styles from Be-bop to bossa with a hint of his Rock roots. Currently recording new material with a Trio at its core, the music has always the solo Jazz Guitar at its heart. From subtle arrangements for Guitar quintet to power trio bop tunes, the mix of pieces has a richness of variety and texture that mirrors the different moods and feel each piece has to offer.
Recently signed a digital distribution and publishing agreement signed with INgrooves in San Francisco and recently had airtime on XND Radio, an internet radio station with 'Agua Calientes' and also Currently working with Sara Lowes to produce a co-written EP.
Recently performed with high acclaim at the 2006 Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival in Mexico, ´Simply beautiful, such beautiful melodies with all the inner movement that just lets everyone have something to listen to´ - Micheal Kent Smith; ´you play like Charlie Byrd but swing harder!´ - Brook.
Studied guitar with Gary Boyle between 1990-92 and then onto study with Fred T. Baker between 1992-96 at the Birmingham Conservatoire (UK).These studies led into the fields of composition and arranging especially with regard to Jazz and Classical music.
After leaving the Conservatoire, formed the Ofay Jazz Quintet playing original arrangements of jazz standards and leading the Ofay Big Band which used original compositions alongside the arrangements now embedded into the repertoire. In 1999, joined forces with Sam Dale (The Big Mojito, Deep Cabaret) and Richard Young (The Earlies, Indo Jazz Fusions) to form Rokasayers, a Hard Jazz Rock Fusion power trio. Over a 5 year period they repeatedly wrote and performed to high critical acclaim.
Regular performances with The Latin Committee and with other artists such as Gary Boyle (Isotope, Mike Westbrook), Barnaby Dickinson (trombone - Tim Garland, Jamie Cullum) and Steve Tromans (Indo Jazz Fusions and Birminghams finest!) and being a regular session musician for The Music Factory Entertainment Group (Jive Bunny). Combine this educational and performance background with the attention to detail in composition and practice and there is music that is produced by using a real combination of expression and technique.
John Youngs - Jazz Guitarist Feedback
“Hi Geoff, the guitarist was great – thank you. He did exactly what we needed and provided some really nice music for the reception. A number of people mentioned how nice it was to have live music at the reception rather than music from a CD. He was on time, smart and was very helpful in the discussion I had with him prior to the day. Excellent value.
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John Youngs - Jazz Guitarist Gallery
