Founding Member of Hiroshima
John Shipley is a founding member of the groundbreaking Jazz-Fusion group Hiroshima. The "East meets West contemporary Jazz" band has recorded over eighteen albums and tours regularly. "Hiroshima is a master jazz band, legends in their own time..." -- Michelle Wilson-Morris, Music Dish
The following is from John Shipley's Web site and/or press kit.
Visit the official Web site here.
John Shipley
Growing up in the wild, wild, west of northern Nevada, John Shipley, at four years of age, put away his cowboy hat and began diligently studying piano. Today his multiple hats are those of an innovative jazz pianist, conductor, arranger, songwriter, producer, and recording artist. As a founding member of the groundbreaking Jazz-Fusion group Hiroshima (Epic Records), he grew as a keyboardist and arranger and ultimately developed his current musical style.
"SHIPPED”, John’s latest CD release features sophisticated, urban sounds with some of the world’s finest jazz musicians lending their talents to the album. The line-up includes friends, Dan and June Kuramoto (from Hiroshima), Larry Klimas, (sax player with Manhattan Transfer and Tony Williams), Randy Hall (guitarist/vocals with the Miles Davis Band), Alex Acuna (drummer/percussionist from Weather Report), Greg Wright (producer/keyboardist for Diana Ross, Natalie Cole and Marvin Gaye), and jazz bassist, Abe Laboriel. The resulting synergies blossom on the album’s ten tracks, eight of which were penned by Shipley.
Recent concerts include the Scandinavian and European tour of the Funk Brothers, a guest appearance with George Clinton in London, several concerts with chart-topping jazz saxophonist Michael Lington and Roberto Vally (bassist for Spyro Gyra and songwriter with Bob James and Rick Braun), opening for Grammy winning jazz flutist Nestor Torres and a reunion with Dan and June Kuramoto for a “Jazzmas” concert. Also June performed with John in a truly memorable acoustic concert entitled "Koto and Keyboards". Showing his versatility John successfully entertained the crowds at a Rhythm and Ribs Festival in Sacramento and as the opener for 70’s favorites Firefall and Al Stewart.
“John Shipley was part of Hiroshima in our most formative stages, and his role in the band extended far beyond his amazing talent as a keyboardist and arranger. The power of his love and gift of music is simply, true,” said Dan Kuramoto, founder of Hiroshima. “His journey with us, and extending beyond on his own path, always brings us full circle. He is family and spirit and inspiration.”
John’s release, "SHIPPED," as well as his solo debut, "dance of the jacaranda tree," both reflect the passionate enthusiasm of his disparate musical travels.
“If You’re Not Callin’ … You’re Askin is a great smooth jazz cut. It fits really well in our rotation,” said Jay Davis, program director of Smooth Jazz 92.1. “Dancing Waters takes me back to John’s days with Hiroshima as the keyboard and koto shape the melody.”
Shipley is using his fine-tuned musical chops on his own pulsating, trailblazing jazz for the new millennium. As a producer and artist, he knows the drill and is willing to work hard to make it happen. He says, tongue-in-cheek, "I’m ready to become an overnight sensation".
Booking Contact
John@shipleymusic.com
