John Dillard, Smooth jazz Artist
John Dillard is a highly sought after musician, and he is becoming one of the top smooth jazz bassist on the music scene today. He has worked with artists such as Heather Headley, Brian Simpson, Nick Colionne, Marc Antoine and Four80East to name a few. It is a delight listening to his music, and his debut album “Let’s Ride,” tells the story of his journey.
Born and raised in Rochester, NY, John was surrounded by music that helped shape his particular style of playing. John credits his early influences to his father. John’s musical journey started when he was eight years old. John gives credit to other heavy influences aside from family members such as Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller, Dave Holland, Ron Carter, John Patitucci, Nathan East, Fred Hammond, and Joel Smith. They drove his growth, resulting in a deeper love and dedication to the art of being a bassist. When asked about his greatest influences, John’s response is always: “Too many to name and enough to keep me humble and always practicing.”
June 21, 2015, John Dillard embarks upon his journey, setting his pace on his first album as a solo artist, “Lets Ride.” Many may recognize his appearance on countless stages around the country, holding down the bottom on bass with artists such as Brian Simpson, Stephanie Mills, and Matt Marshak. “Let’s Ride” is a project of passion, longsuffering, and perseverance. John has been preparing for this his whole life unbeknownst to him. All the songs were written and produced by John Dillard for J’MarDi Productions.
“Let’s Ride” opens with a horn-packed intro, featuring Lin Rountree on trumpet and Buff Dillard on trombone. Blending with the up-tempo groove is spoken word by Quentin Talley–setting the tone for what listeners can expect from John’s debut album and followed by the title track “Let’s Ride.” Its smooth, funk-groovy feeling will have you relaxed or wanting to ride with the top down with the wind blowing through your hair. Marcus Anderson adds his signature saxophone sound, and the background vocals by Mario Brown provide the finishing touch. “Gotta Make This Right,” laced with sax sounds by Art Sherrod. The first single, “Cruise Control,” featuring Marcus Anderson, is a funky bass groove accented with just a sprinkle of saxophone. The combination of the two perfectly demonstrates the musical chemistry they share. The sexy, sensual “26 East” showcases Dillard’s playing skills. Joining him on guitar are Marc Antoine and Reggie Graves. Their pairing in melodic sync with John results in sultriness. Chad Lawson unleashes his piano chops and leads the mellow groove “I Need You” in conversation with John. “Window Seat” is grooviness that will have you snapping your fingers and dancing around the room or in your car and features Gabriel Bello on sax. The slow, electric, infectious, mood-altering aura of “Turbulent” has a vibe that will transport listeners into another state of mind. Lovell Bradford is featured on the Fender Rhodes and Matt Marshak on the guitar, who John also happens to accompany often on his shows. John really allows his playing skills to shine on the last song, “Forward.” He’s in unison with Oli Silk on keys and adds the perfect final touch to John’s much anticipated album. Other artists contributing to “Lets Ride” include guitarist Joe Lindsay, drummers Rischard Jenkins, Calvin Napper and Quantavius Dillard. Keyboardist Paul Whitley makes an appearance on a couple tracks as well.
Whether John is playing electric, acoustic (upright) bass, or key bass, John can be found holding the groove on local stages in Charlotte, NC, his hometown, or performing on main stages across the country with national recording artists. In his career thus far, he has worked with gospel artist Lejuene Thompson, musical director for Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Stephanie Mills, contemporary jazz artists Brian Simpson, Matt Marshak, Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole, Walter Beasley, Nick Colionne, Marc Antoine, and Four80East. Additionally, John has earned Grammy certifications for his performances on EMI gospel projects “Oh Happy Day,” an All-Star Celebration (Best Traditional Gospel Album) and Heather Headley’s “Audience of One” (Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album.) They were both won at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.
John’s affiliation with such admired and respected artists is a true testament to his motto: versatility, dedication, excellence, and Groove all equal the total bassist.
Keyboardist Brian Simpson says, “JD is one of the top jazz/R&B bassists on the scene today… I can always depend on his great sound and musicianship.” Guitarist Matt Marshak says,”John’s bass playing has been an integral part of my recordings and live shows. He brings an intelligent and deep musical perspective.
Biographical information courtesy of John Dillard and ReverbNation; for more reading see link below.
https://www.reverbnation.com/johndillard