Today we’d like to introduce you to John Dalton
Hi John, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a drummer, composer, and improviser based in the northeastern US. I have been playing for 15 years. I lead the ensemble Spheres of Influence, which serves as the primary vehicle for the performance of my compositions. I also perform frequently as an improviser in various units.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was at the beginning of my career. A few months after graduating college, I was working at a summer camp in the Adirondacks. One morning I woke up and my hands were completely numb. This was the start of a yearlong process where my ability to play was servely limited. It was a very difficult and dark period in my life. I was lucky to discover Alexander Technique, as well as physical therapy in this time. With the help of those things, I was able to return to playing and practice.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I primarily operate in the worlds of jazz and improvised music. In traditional jazz, musician play over song forms. A lot of my work in Spheres of Influence is within this tradition. I’ll write a piece, and when we perform it, we’ll play the melody, then improvise based upon the structure of the tune.
In open form improvisation, we will have little to no predetermined material. We have to rely on the energy of the moment, as well as the musician we’re playing with, to create forms.
Being an improviser has helped me become more flexible as a musician. When improvising, you have to deal with whatever is happening in the moment and make it work. Great improvising is about the band becoming greater than the sum of its parts. This involves navigating the different aesthetic perspectives and preferences of the people you’re playing with. It requires deep listening concentration, and trust.
What does success mean to you?
Success for me is having the ability to play artistically satisfying music with people I care for and enjoy playing with. From that perspective I’ve been very lucky to have met folks in my life that are great artists and people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://johndaltonspheresofinfluence.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadheadbearman/profilecard/?igsh=YjA5dmJxdzNyeHNq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/r5A8sj3KpJXuweZL/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@johndaltonspheresofinfluence?si=TgAcn1p35m7Vjhyl
Image Credits
Bosse studios
Photos taken be myself
