He was born in Wisconsin on March 30, 1978. His musical studies began when he was 8 with the violin and a year later, the bass. Although he played and studied rock and jazz, John's studies were focused primarily in classical music. It wasn't until after high school that he focused intensely on jazz and improvised music.
A student at Boston's New England Conservatory of Music and The Thelonious Monk Institute in California, John has studied with world renowned musicians including Danilo Perez, George Garzone, Cecil McBee, and John Abercrombie, among others. John has received many awards and endowments including NEA Awards in composition and performance (1995), Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Award (1996), the Hilton Head Jazz Grant (1997),and the ISB International Bass Competition (2001).
Since moving to New York in 1999 John has worked with some of the worlds finest musicians including He has played at venues such as Lincoln Center for the Arts, the Village Vanguard,the Blue Note, the Jazz Gallery, the Knitting Factory, Smalls, Smoke, Kavehaz, and many others. The bassist has also recorded for many different record labels including Fresh Sound, Steeplechase, Columbia, and Office Zoo.
John currently works as a member of the Roy Haynes Quartet and also plays with the Donald Edwards Quintet, the Aaron Parks Trio, and the Sullivan Trio, with his father, guitar player Dave Sullivan.
