Today we’d like to introduce you to John Beasley
Hi John, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Five-decade music career right out of high school after turning down an oboe scholarship to Julliard for the love of jazz. My wish was to continue playing in local clubs and see where this would lead.
Highlights of career:
Started writing music in Junior High school
20s:
-Invited by Sergio Mendes, Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis to join their bands and went on international tours.
-Created bands with young LA musicians (Vinnie Colauita, John Patitucci, Rickey Minor, Dianne Reeves…)
-Began as a studio musician playing on films and commercial, then started a 10-year career as a composer for TV series (Cheers, Fame, Star Trek, The Next Generation…)
30s-40s:
-released first of 20 recordings
-toured with various musicians including Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett, Lee Ritenour, Steely Dan
-continue studio musician work
Last 15+ years:
-continued recording as a solo artist, earning first of 12 GRAMMY nominations and 2 wins.
-hired to be Music Director for Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz since 2011 producing global gala concerts for International Jazz Day which earned an Emmy nomination (Best Musical Direction)
-worked on singing competitions (American Idol, Search for Next Pussycat Dolls, Duets, Sing your Face off) and TV specials (Sports Illustrated: 50 Years of Beautiful, The Tonight Show.
-started a big band MONK’estra to critical acclaim and led to arranging/conducting/commissions/recording/touring for European and other big bands.
-started writing symphonic commissions for various philharmonic orchestras
-started producing other artists records which have earned American and European awards
-released 3 records in 2024 and have 3 more for 2025 finished and waiting to be released, with one for 2026 in pre-production stage.
-appointed President of International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely a zig zag career.
Professional struggles:
Studio work & recordings
-technology changing session musician work (home studios)
-DIY musicians creating music libraries
Performing and touring jazz musicians:
-In my 20s to 40s, East Coast jazz musicians and jazz clubs there had more currency
-lack of jazz venues in Los Angeles – fewer opportunities to play
-not understanding how to network; not a natural self-promoter
Today’s challenges for every musician:
-having to know & do 360 work: keeping up with platforms: website, YouTube, social media
-monetization from listening/streaming platforms pay next to zero.
-people not ‘buying’ physical or even digital music
-government policies are outdated as technology changes are so rapid and ever changing so a musician’s livelihood is not protected
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a musician who can work across genres and mediums from country to avant garde, to classical to jazz; from Afro-Cuban to Portuguese, to Indian; from ballet to video games. If a project needs music, I am up for the challenge. I’m a natural improviser, which helps me work easily in diverse musical projects.
I’m known for my career in jazz. I’m known for my work with big bands. I’m known for my work in film & TV.
I’m most proud of working with musicians from all over the world whether they speak English or not, because when I direct shows with global artists we speak the. language of music.
What sets me apart from others is that I have a distinctive sound, whether it’s playing keyboards or composing. I am invited to write commissions because of my writing style/sound.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you have a project, I would be happy to hear about it to see if it’s a reasonable match.
To support my music, come in person to hear live music. I tour worldwide and some concerts are streamed if you can’t get out. And, of course, give my body of work a listen to see if it’s to your liking.
My next Los Angeles area concerts are:
Sep 21 – Central Avenue Jazz Festival, Los Angeles with John Beasley Big Band
Oct 12, Dec 13 & 14 – Camilias Jazz Bar – John Beasley Jazz Circle
Dec 20 – The Broad Stage – John Beasley “Holidaze” Trio with vocalist Michael Mayo
Other concerts are in northern California, Europe, Brazil and Asia. Go to www.JohnBeasleyMusic.com for concert schedule.
Pricing:
- Free – Central Avenue Jazz concert
- Range prices: other concerts
- Albums prices range – see website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JohnBeasleyMusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnbeasleyofficial/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnbeasleymusicfans/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnBeasleyMusic
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/48F7fzeDb7gxJm8I9tHVRW
Image Credits
Keyboard photo: Hiroki Sugita
El Trio poster: John Beasley
Septet Cotton Club photo: Lorna Chiu
Grand piano photo: SWR big band
Big band: Eric Wolfinger
